Effect of liquid column on process stability and weld formation under ultra-high power fiber laser-arc hybrid welding of thick plates

Abstract

Liquid column was a common problem in ultra-high power fiber laser-arc hybrid welding (UHLAHW) process, which has an adverse effect on the welding stability and weld formation. Hence, the influence of welding parameters on the behavior of liquid column was investigated systematically, including laser arc recombination process, laser power, and welding speed. As a result, the violent rising liquid column under laser was suppressed markedly after arc addition. However, it was hard to restrain liquid column upturn when laser power was extremely high, because the huge recoil pressure and shear force between metal vapor/plasma and molten pool could increase the upward momentum of melt. Besides, the height of liquid column and volume of spatters were directly influenced by welding speed, due to the welding line energy could significantly influence the flow of melt on the front of keyhole. By optimizing the welding process, the liquid column could be controlled, thereby significantly improving the welding process stability. Finally, a sound weld bead with qualified weld formation and 15.82-mm penetration was produced when the laser power was 21 kW and welding speed was 1.2 m/min under UHLAHW process. This work provides technical guidance for achieving stable welding process and qualified weld formation for thick plates.