The effect of different cutting and MIG welding joining methods on the connection properties of aluminum alloy

Aerospace materials are generally composed of high-strength and lightweight materials such as aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel. Laser Cutting Technology has been adopted to ensure the precise and complex geometries of different types of materials. It is crucial for components and parts in the aerospace industry to be manufactured with tight tolerances, and laser cutting emerges as an effective method to meet these requirements. Examples of parts produced using laser cutting in the aerospace industry include panels in aircraft fuselages, wing and propeller profiles, engine parts, cabin interior equipment, wing assembly fixtures, and similar components. Laser cutting is preferred for all these materials due to its capability to make high-quality and precise cuts. Laser Cutting Technology can cause changes in the internal structure of the material. Because the laser beam applies intense energy to the material, it can cause the material to heat up and even melt during the cutting process. This process can lead to thermal effects within the material, causing changes in its microstructure. Another method encountered in industrial applications is Saw Cutting, which is a process that applies mechanical force to cut the material. During this process, various stresses can occur in the materials (stresses caused by friction and vibration). This thesis aims to compare the cutting processes of aluminum materials using Fiber Laser Technology and the traditional technique of Circular Saw Cutting by observing the deformations that may occur on the parts after the MIG welding process. The comparison will be based on criteria such as dimensional accuracy, time, quality, and cost. Keywords: Aerospace, Fiber Laser Cutting Technology, Saw Cutting, MIG Welding