Effect of preheat on TIG welding of AZ61 magnesium alloy

The effects of preheat treatments on the microstructures and mechanical properties of tungsten inert gas (TIG)-welded AZ61 magnesium alloy joints were studied by microstructural observations, microhardness tests and tensile tests. The results showed that the volume fraction of the lamellar β-Mg₁₇(Al,Zn)₁₂ intermetallic compound of in fusion zone (FZ) increased from 15% to 66% with an increase in preheat temperature. Moreover, the microhardness of the FZ and the ultimate tensile strength of the welded joints reached their maximum values when the preheat temperature was 300℃ because more lamellar β-Mg₁₇(Al,Zn)₁₂ intermetallic compounds were distributed at the α-Mg grain boundaries and no cracks and pores formed in the FZ of the welded joint.