APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF POST WELD LASER RELEASE OF GAS BUILD UP IN A GMAW WELD USING A LASER BEAM

摘要

A system (700) and method is provided where a work piece (W) is welded at high speeds with minimal porosity and spatter. In embodiments, the work piece (W) is welded with an arc welding process to create a weld puddle (WP) and the weld puddle (WP) is irradiated by a energy beam (111) downstream of the arc welding operation, such that high welding speeds are attained. The high energy heat source (108, 109) is positioned downstream of the welding operation to input energy into the weld puddle (WP) to change its shape or characteristics to optimize bead shape and/or bead quality.