Materials
Can you laser welding galvanised steel?
Quick answer
Yes — avoid — zinc boils violently. Laser on galvanised steel: match technique to the material; filler same as mild steel; silicon-rich wires handle zinc slightly better.
The verdict and why
Avoid — zinc boils violently. Zinc fume causes metal fume fever ('welders' flu') — ventilation or a fresh-air mask is non-negotiable under AS 1674
Watch-outs
- grind the gal off the weld zone where you can — it's faster than fighting porosity
- Prep: grind the gal off the weld zone where you can — it's faster than fighting porosity