Similar and dissimilar welding effect on the mechanical properties of 5383 H34, 5754 H34 and 6005 T6 aluminum alloys

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are not covered by their specific weight. Each class of aluminum alloy presents a set of properties that are favorable to a given function in the same product, just as the alloys may be present in the same vehicle. However, it is necessary to know the changes in the mechanical properties that occur with the union process of these aluminum alloys. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and morphological properties of alloys 5383 H34, 5754 H34 and 6005 T6 similarly welded and dissimilar by the MIG process. Six combinations of these alloys were characterized by mechanical tensile, folding and Vickers micro-hardness tests, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). Among the results obtained, a decrease in tensile strength was observed for all welded alloys. In addition, the microhardness was affected in the melt line, in the weld bead and in the HAZ (heat affected zone). The main causes of the reduction of the mechanical resistance of the welded alloys were the grain growth and the precipitate dissolution. The data obtained in this study contribute in a very positive way to the development and dimensioning of new projects and technologies involving aluminum alloys. Keywords: microstructure, dissimilar welding, mechanical resistance, grain morphology.