Extruded metal alloy workpiece joining method e.g. for aluminium structural components - having surfaces of workpieces to be joined each provided with groove filled with additional material wire for improving energy beam weld joint.

: Ehrhardt, A.; Behler, K.

Abstract
The method uses a high energy beam, e.g. a laser beam (12), directed on to an abutting joint between the extruded workpieces (10) which are made of an aluminium alloy containing magnesium and silicon. Each workpiece has a groove extending along the surface to be joined which is filled with a welding material, e.g. silicon, in the form of a wire during the extrusion of the workpiece USE - For forming large surface area structures. ADVANTAGE - Allows silicon content of weld joint to be increased.