Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium–zinc-coated steel joints made by a modified metal inert gas welding–brazing process

The microstructure and properties of aluminium–zinc coated steel lap joints made by a modified metal inert gas CMT welding–brazing process was investigated. It was found that the nature and the thickness of the high-hardness intermetallic compound layer which formed at the interface between the steel and the weld metal during the welding process varied with the heat inputs. From the results of tensile tests, the welding process is shown to be capable of providing sound aluminium–zinc coated steel joints.