Laser Welding Characteristics of Aluminum and Copper Sheets for Lithium-ion Batteries

Kang, Minjung; Park, Taesoon; Kim, Cheolhee; Kim, Jeonghan

doi:2013.31.6.58

J Weld Join > Volume 31(6); 2013 > Article

Research Paper

Journal of KWJS 2013;31(6):58-64.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5781/KWJS.2013.31.6.58 Published online January 21, 2014.

Laser Welding Characteristics of Aluminum and Copper Sheets for Lithium-ion Batteries

Minjung Kang^*, Taesoon Park^*, Cheolhee Kim^*, Jeonghan Kim^**

Correspondence: Cheolhee Kim,
Email: chkim@kitech.re.kr

Abstract

Several joining methods involving resistance welding, laser welding, ultrasonic welding and mechanical joining are currently applied in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. Cu and Al alloys are used for tab and bus bar materials, and laser welding characteristics for these alloys were investigated with similar and dissimilar material combinations in this study. The base materials used were Al 1050 and oxygen-free Cu 1020P alloys, and a disk laser was used with a continuous wave mode. In bead-on-plate welding of both alloys, the joint strength was higher than the strength of O tempered base material. In overlap welding, the effect of welding parameters on the tensile shear strength and bead shape was evaluated. Tensile shear strength of overlap welded joint was affected by interfacial bead width and weld defect formation. The tensile-shear specimen was fractured at the heat affected zone by selecting proper laser welding parameters.

Key Words: Laser welding, Aluminum, Copper, Dissimilar metal joining, Lithium-ion battery