Residual stresses in Al7075 alloy laser cladded with Al-12Si alloy powder

Abstract

Compared to conventional arc-welding processes commonly used to repair aluminium (Al) components, laser- cladding involves narrower heat affected zones (HAZ), lower overall heat input and less part distortion. With the development of high power lasers, it has become an attractive technology for the refurbishment of high value added structural airframe components in commercial and military aircrafts, especially those made of hard-to-weld age hardenable Al 7xxx series alloys. Laser cladding of 6.35mm thick rolled plates of Al7075 alloy was performed at IRIS using a high power Nd:YAG Laser and an Al-128i alloy powder as the filler repair material. Residual stress profiles through the clad plate thickness were measured using neutron diffraction scattering at ANSTO. Results showed the laser cladding pattern on residual stress profiles in directions longitudinal and transverse to the plate rolling direction. © The Authors