Launchpad, March - April 2004
For a full list of proposed, active and closed projects see here
Hybrid laser arc welding with adaptive control
To be launched: April 2004
Cost per sponsor: £15 000 pa two payments
Project leader: Paul Hilton
The laser-arc hybrid welding process is characterised by the simultaneous application of a focused laser beam and a MIG or MAG torch. The combination of sources can provide several benefits, one of which is to provide a much increased gap-filling capability, when compared with that available from the laser source alone. With on-line monitoring of joint conditions and adaptive control of the hybrid laser-arc welding parameters, the tolerance to joint gap and joint fit-up can be increased and a consistent weld quality and weld profile can be maintained. This project will seek to develop procedures, using different materials (C-Mn steels, aluminium alloys and stainless steels) for hybrid laser-arc welding with adaptive control, to compensate for variations in joint conditions automatically, to achieve improved weld quality. This will allow consistent and reliable automatic weld completion, leading to an increase in the quality of manufactured parts, at reduced cost, with the added benefits of high welding speeds and low distortion.
Weld repair of alloy 718 components without post weld heat treatment
Launched: January 2004
Cost per sponsor: £12 500 pa, two payments
Project Leader: Lee Smith
There is increasing concern in the oil and gas sector regarding the scrap rate of high value Alloy 718 components, such as tubing hangers, as a result of minor machining errors. Repair welding of Alloy 718, in its fully hardened state, requires new procedures to avoid cracking in the base material whilst maintaining acceptable performance. This work, therefore, sets out to establish a procedure for repair welding non-structural sections of Alloy 718 components, so that they are fit for service offshore.
