Effects of laser and electron beam welding on the mechanical properties of bake hardening sheets

Bake hardening sheets are frequently used materials in the automotive industry. The unique feature of these materials like hardening with the paint baking process is convenient for the manufacturer. Also, the bonding technique is a common issue for assembly lines. With new technologies regarding the welding process after the 1990s, the concept of welding has changed. In this study, the electron beam and laser beam sources, which are still considered new, are used for welding 260 BH bake hardening sheets used in the automotive industry as galvanized and non-galvanized. The characterization analysis of the mechanical behavior of the bonded materials was conducted. The macroscopic and microscopic structural modifications, as well as residual stresses, were measured, and they were compared with each other. From the experiments, very effective results have been found. The results were analyzed in detail from different perspectives in terms of material properties and types of weldment processes.