Hybrid laser-arc welding processes, in which a laser and an arc are combined in the same process zone, can offer a number of benefits over autogenous laser welding, including increased productivity and a tolerance to fit up comparable with arc welding. This paper concentrates on the development of welding parameters for an Nd:YAG laser-AC MIG arc hybrid process for thin aluminium sheet, for potential application in the automotive industry. Melt runs, butt welding and lap welding trials have been carried out on 1.2mm thick 5251-H22 aluminium alloy, with characterisation by metallographic section and radiography. A hybrid condition has been developed which is stable to welding speeds in excess of 8m/min, representing a fourfold increase in productivity compared to MIG welding or a two fold increase in productivity compared to laser welding. This hybrid condition has been applied with particular success to edge lap welds, where a gap tolerance of ten times that of autogenous laser welding has been demonstrated. Internal weld porosity is outside of BS EN ISO 13919-2:2001, but any application would require a case-by-case assessment of fitness for purpose, and/or more thorough material preparation to reduce porosity.
Hybrid Nd:YAG laser-AC MIG welding of thin section automotive aluminium alloy
2006
9 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 13 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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