Remote laser desensitization systems and methods for desensitizing aluminum and other metal alloys

Abstract

A method for desensitizing a metal alloy such as an aluminum (Al) alloy is presented. The surface of the alloy is treated by controlled laser beam irradiation. The scanning laser beam heats the alloy to reach a relative low temperature between a solvus temperature and a soften/annealing temperature of the metal alloy to controllably reduce the degree of sensitization (DOS) of the metal alloy. The locally rapid heating and cooling effects produced by scanning the laser can improve the future sensitization resistance of the metal alloy, reduce the average desensitization temperature applied, and maintain the mechanical properties of Al alloy at the same time.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.