Parameter Influence in CO2-laser/MIG Hybrid Welding
Hybrid welding, as the combination of laser beam and arc welding, is an innovative joining technology that has many advantages compared to the single processes. With the hybrid process joint gap ca ...
Hybrid laser arc welding: State-of-art review
Abstract Hybrid laser arc welding simultaneously utilizes the arc welding and the laser welding, in a common interaction zone. The synergic effects of laser beam and eclectic arc in the same weld pool results in an increase of welding speed and penetration depth along with the enhancement of gap bridging capability and process stability. This paper presents the current status of this hybrid technique in terms of research, developments and applications. Effort is made to present a comprehensive technical know-how about this process through a systematic review of research articles, industrial catalogues, technical notes, etc. In the introductory part of the review, an overview of the hybrid laser arc welding is presented, including operation principle, process requirements, historical developments, benefits and drawbacks of the process. This is followed by a detailed discussion on control parameters those govern the performance of hybrid laser arc welding process. Thereafter, a report of improvements of performance and weld qualities achieved by using hybrid welding process is presented based on review of several research papers. The succeeding sections furnish the examples of industrial applications and the concluding remarks.
Henry Granjon prize competition 2001 winner, category a joining and fabrication technology: Development of laser-GMA hybrid- and hydra welding processes for shipbuilding
Coupling gas shielded metal arc welding with laser beam welding ("hybrid process") has been shown to be one possibility of making use of the specific advantages of both processes. The arc, in addition to the laser beam, supplies heat to the weld metal in the upper weld region, giving the weld pool its typical U-shape. The mutual influences exerted by the processes can differ in intensity and form as a function of the arc or laser process and the process parameters. The heat to which the weldment is exposed as a result of the hybrid process can be kept low comparable to the laser process. Either laser or arc character may predominate, depending on the selected power input ratio. Further advantages can be achieved by coupling the laser beam with two gas metal arcs ("Hydra Welding Process"). Samples of Hybrid and Hydra welds are shown. The welded materials are as well high strength steels for shipbuilding and steel constructions as austenitic steels in material thicknesses up to 20 mm. The welds were mainly butt joints, but fillet joints were also used. Expansion of the possible uses and operative capability of the laser-GMA Hybrid- and Hydra Welding Process will increase productivity, flexibility and, consequently, competitiveness.