The CW CO2 laser weldability of various Al-Mg alloys was investigated in terms of weld
strength, ductility, Vickers hardness, formability and solidification cracking tendency when both
autogenous and wire feed welding were made. Tensile strength of the laser welds was lower than
that of the corresponding base metals, and it was linearly proportional to the Mg content of the weld
metal. Formability and ductility of Al-Mg alloy laser welds were lower than those of corresponding
base alloys as well. As for the weld solidification structure, as the Mg content increased in the weld
metal, more equiaxed grains developed. Hence, softening of weld metal and solidification cracking
were decreased in the weld metal containing higher Mg. Solidification cracking of Al-Mg alloy
laser welds showed the highest susceptibility at 1.6 to 1.9wt.% Mg, and it decreased with further
increase of Mg content.