Influence of the Ambient Pressure on the Weld Quality for Magnetic Pulse Welded Sheet Joints

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of reduced ambient pressure during the welding process on the quality of magnetic pulse weld seams. For this purpose, a specifically developed vacuum chamber was applied, which enables a reproducible implementation. This, in turn, prepared the ground for a systematic examination of this promising process parameter. The tests focused on comparison of the weld seams realized with different currents and acceleration distances under atmospheric pressure and in the vacuum chamber. Here, both similar (EN AW-1050-H14) and dissimilar material combinations were considered (EN AW-1050A-H14 + S235JR; EN-AW 6016-T6 + DC04). The evaluation criteria for the quality of the welds were the tensile strength of the joint and the size of the weld seam.