Laser surface modification of aluminium and magnesium alloys

Abstract

Aluminium and magnesium alloys are choice materials for research, development and application of surface engineering techniques. Favoured for their low density and ease of fabrication, combined with good mechanical properties, they demonstrate a poor resistance to surface wear; and magnesium alloys are particularly susceptible to corrosion. Due to the flexibility and relative ease of control of laser processing techniques and the limited or negligible effect on the bulk material, the modification of surface properties by means of such methods has been extensively investigated. The range of laser surface processes applied to light alloys includes simple remelting of the alloy surface; remelting with the addition of alloying elements or ceramic particles; cladding with a layer of material having different properties; and shock processing to create residual stresses in the surface.