Hybrid laser arc welding: State of the art in technology

Abstract

Hybrid laser arc welding is complex process where two heat sources act simultaneously in a common weld pool. The synergy effect of laser beam and electric arc offers several advantages over other individual technological processes, such as: higher welding speed, increased productivity, deeper penetration, better gap bridging ability, stable process, less heat input to the welding material, etc. However, the combination of two heat sources in a single welding process leads to large number of parameters that need to be synchronized and optimized in order to obtain a perfect weld. This paper presents the current state of hybrid laser arc welding in terms of its development, industrial application and scientific research. The introduction part contains a general overview of the hybrid laser arc welding process, its advantages and operating principles, and chronological development. In the second part, welding parameters that directly influence on the hybrid process have been discussed. The third part presents the performance and weld qualities achieved by hybrid welding process in accordance with previous research. In the final part, examples of industrial application and conclusions for further research and development related to hybrid laser arc welding are given.

Impact analysis of the hybrid laser arc welding parameters of structural steels: State of the art

“…If the GMAW process travels behind the laser beam, the HLAW process orientation is referred to as laser leading. If the GMAW process travels ahead of the laser, the HLAW process orientation is referred to as arc leading [3].…”

“…In HLAW the shielding gas has a fundamental role of stabilizing the arc, and in turn, the stability of the welding process, and the weld quality [9]. Generally, the shielding gas used in HLAW is mostly composed of an inert gas such as Argon (Ar) and Helium (He) [3], but, according to the material, laser type and arc parameters, carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) can also be used [26]. During hybrid laser arc welding with CO 2 laser, absorption of the laser energy by the laser induced plasma and reduction of the laser intensity that reaching the weld pool is often occurred, due to longer wavelength [19].…”

“…The use of high ionization potential shielding gas like helium reduces the effect of plasma absorption, therefore during hybrid laser arc welding with CO 2 laser, a mixture of argon, helium and CO 2 is used [19]. The use of helium ensures deeper penetration, the argon improves the arc stability, while a small percentage of oxygen less than 5% reduces the spatter formation and improves metal transfer during the welding process [3]. The mode of metal transfer is an influential parameter for stable and repeatable welding process, for hybrid laser arc welding pulsed/spray-arc is recommended in relation to short/globular-arc [25,30].…”

“…One of the fundamental advantages of hybrid laser arc welding is the high welding speed and it is strictly related to the weld penetration. If we keep all the other parameters constant, the welding speed significantly influences the weld quality, the electric arc behavior, and the process stability [3]. The weld penetration and weld with are inversely affected by the welding speed [5].…”

Mechanical Testing of Hlaw Welded Joints in Accordance With European Standards –Theoretical Approаch

“…-Sci. J., 41, 1, 5-13 (2023) advantages of two different processes: laser beam welding -LBW, and semi-automatic welding processes such as gas metal arc welding -GMAW, and flux-cored arc welding -FCAW, represents an excellent substitute for conventional welding processes [2,7].…”