Welding of Zn-22%wt.Al alloy plates,HELP!

[lilunpan]

I am a university student. I am doing a final year project about welding of two identical Zn-22%wt.Al alloy plates. After using the Nd -YAG laser, the welded area lost the superplastcity. the objective is to weld the two identical plates while the superplastcity of the whole plastes can be retained ( including the welded area). I proposed another method, it is friction stir welding (solid phase welding) however, there is no such facilties for friction welding. there are only laser welding and arc welding machines. I would like to use the plasma arc welding or TIG. But I am afraid that the high temperature will vaporise all the Zn inside. Can you give me some comments to me on this issue? I am very frustrated.Thanks!

[tigamajig79]

WHOOSH!!! it parted my doo!(over my head) but I'm only one degree in metallurgy away from understanding the calibre of this conundrum

tigamajig79

[taylorkh]

Hi lilunpan,

I certainly cannot give you the answer. However, let me ask a couple of questions which stimulate some thought in the right direction...

How is this alloy manufactured and/or treated to give it the superplastcity properties which you desire?

Can something from the above processes be used as a post-welding treatment to restore the superplastcity properties?

For example - if the material is heated to a certain temperature then quenched you might weld two pieces then heat and quench them as was done to the original material.

Regards,

Ken

[Rocky D]

I don't know of any aluminum alloy with such a high zinc content...what is this material used for?
Is brazing and option...or Electron Beam, perhaps?

[usmcpop]

Is this a Zinc alloy with 22% aluminum, or what? Something like this? http://stinet.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb...fier=AD0475357