Abstract:Owing to excellent fracture toughness, high specific strength and stiffness, stable high- and low-temperature performance, and good corrosion resistance, advanced lightweight aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) alloy has become one of the most competitive aerospace materials. Laser welding is the most promising process for welded Al-Li alloy thin sheet, which possesses the advantages of high energy density, narrow heat-affected zone, low deformation, and fast welding speed. For Al-Li alloy structure, welded connection instead of mechanical connection can effectively improve the utilization rate of materials, reduce the components, decrease manufacturing costs, and achieve weight loss. At present, there are still some key technical problems and issues in laser welded Al-Li alloy due to its own material properties. In this paper, the research status of Al-Li alloy, laser welding, and laser welded Al-Li alloy in aerospace field are summarized by reviewing the cryogenic progress. Furthermore, the main research trends of laser welded Al-Li alloy are prospected.