Development of a flexible low laser power hybrid (LLPH) technology for shipbuilding including additive manufacturedsemi-automated hand-held unit

Abstract

A novel Low Laser Power Hybrid (LLPH) technology overcomes manufacturing gaps between 2D panels and 3D sections in shipbuilding. Construction, process, equipment and additive manufacturing knowledge are combined in the project “ShipLight”. This paper highlights part conditions, requirements for process and safety issues plus the new automated and semi-automated hand-held unit. Geometrical studies on shipbuilding material reveal dependencies between gap width, weld speed, and energy input per unit length as well as camera-based joint recognition with quality assurance aspects and weld seam calculation resulting in the adaption of welding parameters under field conditions. The last part briefly sketches the development of the semi-automated hand-held unit. Additive manufacturing is utilized in part mock-up studies and prototyping. An outlook is given on further upcoming applications.