Investigation of advanced laser-MAG tandem hybrid welding for joining gap-flawed thin sheet metal parts

摘要

Abstract Decreasing wall thickness and part tolerances, e.g. gaps, adversely affect welding productivity. This paper is concerned with advanced laser-metal active gas (MAG) tandem hybrid welding (LTHW) providing a novel wire feeding concept and adjusting welding power by variable wire electrode diameters. 1.2- and 1.0-mm-diameter wires were used, respectively, for leading and trailing arc and were supplied to the process at the same feed rate. Given the experimental conditions, i.e. used for joining deliberately gap-flawed low wall thickness and small flange sheet metal lap joints, it was found that this novel LTHW concept is able to safely meet industrial requirements. The laser beam warrants for adequate fusion whilst the MAG-tandem process safely bridges the gap prepared. The results achieved are discussed and application perspectives derived focusing on technological aspects rather than on purely scientific considerations.