Industrial laser welded all steel sandwich panels applications in Finland

Abstract

Laser welded sandwich panels made of structural and stainless steels have been studied using weight and cost optimising for different industrial cases. Weight optimisation was carried out by special PC-program developed by Helsinki University of Technology. Laser welding is a fast and flexible way to manufacture All Steel Sandwich Panels. Economically the most feasible solution is often to weld as large panels as possible. A system for welding large panels with a laser is often considered to be complicated and expensive. In this study full size test components were laser welded, tested and analysed in respect of quality and costs. The suitable welding procedure was developed for each case. Some of the panels were further subjected to mechanical and corrosion testing. Most of the tested structures showed considerable weight loss and total cost savings in comparison to conventional structures. All of the tested case studies were manufactured with acceptable quality and showed potential for industrial implementation. In some cases pilot scale production was performed and production is likely to start soon. As a result of extensive research a company specialised in sandwich panel production was founded and it’s starting production in 2004.