Problems of industries and manufacturers of welded structures in aluminum alloys are centered on reduction of mechanical properties in welded joints due to heat input effects on heat affected zone (HAZ); as well as, effects of discontinuities and metallurgical defects, high cost repairs, and low productivity. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of gas mixtures 80Ar20He (MG1), 60Ar40He (MG2), 80Ar19He1O2 (MG3), and 60Ar39He1O2 (MG4), on aluminum alloy AA5083-O weldability using filler metal ER5183 automated GMAW-P process. Methodology has included a factorial experiment design, customization of welding parameters, characterization of base metal and welding regions. Analysis of results were carried out based on microstructure evaluation of welding regions, measurements of hardness and tensile properties, observations of discontinuities and defects, costs evaluation, and welding speed. Results show that gas mixtures with O2 are highly beneficial to obtain good weldability of studied alloy.
Weldability and stability; aluminum alloys for naval applications; Welded microstructure; mechanical properties; Integrity welding
