Laser Beam Welding of Automobile Hinges

Since the establishment of a CO 2 laser beam as a heat source for welding, its application has moved into new areas, replacing existing joining processes. This paper presents an automotive application of laser beam welding for joining hinges to the reinforcement structure of car doors. The objectives of the investigation were to increase productivity, improve repeatability, and maintain overall joint quality, while satisfying the needs for a perfect surface appearance and the structural reliability achieved with the gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Experiments were carried out in two distinct phases. The first dealt with technological feasibility and the second examined the influence of the main laser welding parameters on the quality of the joint. At the end of each phase, nondestructive X-ray and metallographic analyses were applied, allowing the selection of the best overall laser welding conditions. These conditions were then implemented to evaluate the structural integrity of the joints by means of typical automotive industry tests.