Title: A procedure to fully control and trace the weld quality for laser-arc hybrid welding under production conditions

Authors: Alexander F.H. Kaplan; Jan Frostevarg; John Powell

Addresses: Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Product and Production Development, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden ' Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics, Division of Product and Production Development, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden ' Laser Expertise Ltd., Acorn Park Industrial Estate, Nottingham NG7 2TR, UK

Abstract: Hybrid welding combining a laser beam with a MIG/MAG-arc has high potential to fill joint gaps and to shape the weld surface. The geometrical variations and the oxidation of the joint edges can have significant influence on the resulting weld surface shape and on fatigue life. In the presented study, edge tolerances such as edge mismatch were measured. By consequent scanning of the tolerances, high speed imaging of the melt pool flow dynamics and scanning of the resulting weld surface profile, a systematic identification and explanation of the weld quality on the joint edge conditions can be achieved, even for complex products in rough industrial environment. A corresponding general procedure is presented. From a case study, the limits of quality aspects such as undercuts were quantitatively identified and qualitatively explained. [Received 29 April 2013; Revised 27 September 2013; Accepted 15 October 2013]

Keywords: hybrid welding; laser arc welding; joint edge; edge tolerances; weld quality; undercuts; edge mismatch; gap; high speed imaging; scanning; strategy; weld surface shape; fatigue life; melt pool flow dynamics; laser welding.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2014.059601

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2014 Vol.9 No.1, pp.92 - 111

Published online: 29 Jul 2014 *

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