Hybrid weld method combines laser, gas metal arc welding

摘要

Thick section materials are being joined by a hybrid process in which Nd:YAG laser welding is combined with gas metal arc welding at the Edison Welding Institute, Columbus, Ohio. Although the process is not new, EWI is looking for the optimal parameters for a variety of materials to enhance the speed, performance, and reliability of the process. EWI reports a processing rate of a meter per minute in 10-mm thick material with square butt joints and a gap of 0.8 mm. The goal is to weld 12 mm thick materials at the rate of a meter per minute.