LASER HYBRID WELDING METHOD AND LASER HYBRID WELDING TORCH USING A ZINC AND/OR CARBON AND/OR ALUMINUM-CONTAINING ROD

摘要

In a process to trigger a coated (45) sheet metal (3) hybrid laser welding process, the first-stage welding operation is conducted by laser (13) in close proximity to the second-stage inert gas welding process. The second-stage process employs a welding wire (12). Prior to commencement of the first stage, the laser (13) focal point (47) is presented at a defined distance (42) from the first work-piece (3). The laser is then shifted through a pre-determined longitudinal distance (44) towards the inert gas station (5), before returning to its initial position (46). During the reverse movement the laser output power is regulated to evaporate or melt the sheet metal coating (45), removing any residual coating or surface impurities.