Innovative hybrid welding process in an industrial application

Abstract

Joining of metallic materials by the application of hybrid welding techniques meanwhile has been brought to several industrial applications. This contribution reports basics and practical experiences on hybrid welding of the combined procedures Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) and Laser Beam Welding (CO2). The hybrid welding process was developed for an industrial application for joining oil vessels as a replacement for conventional welding. By the use of conventional welding it was necessary to weld the material from both sides. Using the hybrid process only one-pass welding from the upper side is required. The material applied was S235JR (DIN EN 10025) at material thicknesses between 5 and 9 mm.The following technological and economical advantages will be discussed: improved gap filling and better weld seam appearance high-quality treatment of weld material enhanced process efficiency improved productivity by realization of higher welding speeds reduced operating costs concerning energy input Joining of metallic materials by the application of hybrid welding techniques meanwhile has been brought to several industrial applications. This contribution reports basics and practical experiences on hybrid welding of the combined procedures Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) and Laser Beam Welding (CO2). The hybrid welding process was developed for an industrial application for joining oil vessels as a replacement for conventional welding. By the use of conventional welding it was necessary to weld the material from both sides. Using the hybrid process only one-pass welding from the upper side is required. The material applied was S235JR (DIN EN 10025) at material thicknesses between 5 and 9 mm.The following technological and economical advantages will be discussed: improved gap filling and better weld seam appearance high-quality treatment of weld material enhanced process efficiency improved productivity by realization of higher welding speeds reduced operating costs concerning energy input