Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding

Hybrid laser-arc welding combines the advantages of laser and arc welding, producing deep penetration welds with good tolerance to joint fit-up. The laser source can be CO ₂ , Nd:YAG, or Yb fibre laser, and can be used with a MIG/MAG, TIG or plasma arc. The two sources are usually combined so that the laser and arc operate in a single, elongated process zone.

A wide range of materials can be welded, including C-Mn steels, stainless steels, aluminium, titanium, and nickel. Typical geometries include butt and fillet welds.

Hybrid Nd:YAG Laser/Gas Metal Arc Welding for New Land Pipelines

Hybrid Nd:YAG laser-MIG welding of an aluminium rear axle component
( Courtesy of PCI)

Benefits

Deep penetration welds
High processing speeds
Good tolerance to joint fit-up
Good weld quality
Low heat input, therefore low distortion

Applications

Automotive (Laser-plasma, laser-MIG)
Shipbuilding (Laser-MAG)
Heavy industry (Laser-MAG)
Aerospace (Laser-MIG, laser-TIG)

Contact:

Laser and Sheet Processes Group
TWI Ltd
Granta Park
Gt Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6AL (previously CB1 6AL), UK

email: lasers@twi.co.uk
Tel: 01223 899000
Fax: 01223 890661