Microstructure of mig welded 5083 aluminium alloy

Abstract

5083-Aluminium is commonly used in many modern engineering applications. However, the heat created from electric arc during welding will alter the microstructures and mechanical properties in the base metal in the heat affected zone. Therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of the microstructures that could cause detrimental effects to the integrity of the weld joint. With better understanding of the weld joint it can potentially be used to improve the quality and reliability of the welded structure or product involved. Metallographic sample was prepared and observations on the weld region microstructures were made under the optical microscope. From the examination, it was found that there is coarsening of grain boundaries in the Heat Affected Zone from the formation of Al3Mg2 β-phase from precipitation. Vickers hardness test was also conducted in accordance to ASTM E384 standard, across the cross section of the fusion zone.