Effect of welding parameters on weld beam geometry and mechanical properties in tungsten gmaw of aluminum alloys

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of variable welding parameters on weld beam geometry, heat input, the mechanical properties and microstructure in Tungsten Gas Metal Arc Welding of aluminum alloys. The aluminum based 5754 alloy was used as base material, and AlMg 5356 alloy wire was selected as filler material in all welding operations. The butt joint position was performed by various weld current and voltages and gas pressures during preparation of specimens. The Argon was selected as protective gas in experiments. The butt joint specimens were exposed to tensile and 3-point bending tests and their micro and macro hardness values were measures. The microstructure of specimens was investigated by optical microscope in order to detect the weld beam geometry and penetration which show the efficiency of welding operation. In the light of these findings, the optimum welding parameters were tried to determine and related recommendations were given to users.