Abstract: A process for joining first and second metal workpieces by laser brazing for forming a vehicle structure includes providing the workpieces in contacting relationship so as to form an elongated contact region, wherein at least one of the workpieces is made of hot-dip galvanized steel material, supplying a laser beam having a beam parameter product lower than 10 mm·mrad from a laser source, guiding the laser beam through a laser focus head having a total optical magnification in the range of 1:0.5-1:1.5, directing the laser beam along the elongated contact region, wherein a beam spot formed where the laser beam hits the contact region has a size in the range of 2-6 mm, and supplying a consumable wire of filler material to the beam spot to melt the consumable wire and braze the workpieces together, wherein the consumable wire comprises at least 95% copper.

Abstract: A process for joining first and second metal workpieces by laser brazing for forming a vehicle structure includes providing the workpieces in contacting relationship so as to form an elongated contact region, wherein at least one of the workpieces is made of hot-dip galvanized steel material, supplying a laser beam having a beam parameter product lower than 10 mm·mrad from a laser source, guiding the laser beam through a laser focus head having a total optical magnification in the range of 1:0.5-1:1.5, directing the laser beam along the elongated contact region, wherein a beam spot formed where the laser beam hits the contact region has a size in the range of 2-6 mm, and supplying a consumable wire of filler material to the beam spot to melt the consumable wire and braze the workpieces together, wherein the consumable wire comprises at least 95% copper.