Hybrid laser-arc welding (HLAW) is a welding process that combines the advantages of laser beam welding and arc welding. It uses a high-energy laser beam and an electric arc to simultaneously heat and join two metal pieces in a single weld pool. The laser beam provides deep penetration and high welding speed, while the arc provides gap bridging and filler material addition. HLAW can produce high-quality welds with less distortion, spatter, porosity, and cracking than conventional welding methods.
HLAW can be performed with different types of lasers, such as CO2, Nd: YAG, diode, Yb fiber, or Yb: YAG disk lasers. The laser beam can be delivered to the workpiece through an optical fiber or a mirror system. The arc can be provided by different types of arc welding processes, such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, or plasma arc welding (PAW). The arc can be aligned with the laser beam in different ways, such as coaxial, parallel, or trailing.
I. The main benefits of HLAW are:
Improved tolerance to joint fit-up: HLAW can handle larger gaps and misalignments between the workpieces than laser welding alone. This reduces the need for costly and time-consuming edge preparation and fit-up.
Improved weld quality: HLAW can reduce or eliminate common weld defects such as porosity, cracking, oxidation, spatter, etc. that can affect the appearance, performance, and reliability of the weld. HLAW can also produce smooth and uniform weld surfaces with a narrow heat-affected zone (HAZ).
Increased single pass penetration depth: HLAW can achieve deeper penetration than arc welding alone due to the high power density of the laser beam. HLAW can weld thick-walled steels in a single pass with less heat input and distortion.
Increased welding speed: HLAW can achieve higher welding speeds than arc welding alone due to the high energy efficiency of the laser beam. HLAW can reduce the overall welding time and increase the productivity.
HLAW is widely used in various industries that require high-quality and high-speed welding of thick-walled metals, such as aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, oil and gas, rail transport, etc. HLAW can weld different types of metals and alloys, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, etc.
II. Conclusion
HLAW is a welding process that combines the principles of laser beam welding and arc welding. It uses a high-energy laser beam and an electric arc to simultaneously heat and join two metal pieces in a single weld pool. HLAW can produce high-quality welds with less distortion, spatter, porosity, and cracking than conventional welding methods. HLAW can also achieve deeper penetration and higher welding speed than arc welding alone. HLAW is suitable for various applications that require high-quality and high-speed welding of thick-walled metals. To learn more about welding technology and welding tips, you can view Megmeet Welding Technology News.
