Electron-beam welding of Zr₅₀Cu₃₀Ni₁₀Al₁₀ bulk glassy alloys

By using a conventional electron-beam welding machine, an electron-beam welding of Zr₅₀Cu₃₀Ni₁₀Al₁₀ bulk glassy plates has been achieved in the welding condition leading to the suppression of heat affected zone (HAZ). In order to obtain the cooling rate, which is sufficient for glass formation, the welding speed was controlled to be higher than 100mm/s and the beam-radiated area should be limited to be smaller than 1mm in diameter. The mean value of joint strength of the welded bulk glassy plate is about 1400MPa, which is lower by 15% than the tensile strength (1650MPa) of the glassy alloy. The fracture of the welded alloy plate occurs along shear slip plane across the welded area, reflecting good ductility in the welded area of the Zr₅₀Cu₃₀Ni₁₀Al₁₀ bulk glassy alloy.