UV laser texturing of aluminum alloys and related effects on surface treatment

In this study, UV laser texturing was performed to improve the properties of A5052 aluminum alloy surfaces for joining, and the effectiveness of the processed surfaces was evaluated. The laser-irradiated materials were joined with a polyamide resin-based bond, and the resulting specimens were evaluated in tensile shear tests. The A5052 substrate surface was removed over the entire scanning area with a beam spot overlap of 10 μm, and exhibited complex irregular topography with enhanced oxidation and removal of materials other than aluminum oxide. The results of the shear testing indicated a fracture load of up to 4 kN, which was attributed to the anchoring effect and surface modification.