Laser Hybrid Welding
Laser Thick Plate Welding with Best-in-Class Process Control
The ADDere laser hybrid welding system uses the unique combination of laser and wire arc welding systems and the closed loop feedback process from our laser-wire additive manufacturing (LWAM) systems. Much like the ADDere additive manufacturing process, ADDere uses a laser to melt the weld keyhole into the metal while using a heated welding wire to fill the weld using conventional welding wire. The process is ideal for heavy-duty welding applications found in shipbuilding, pressure vessels, armor plating and other areas where the thick metal plate is used.
The benefits of the laser hybrid welding system lie in utilizing the laser’s ability to produce a much deeper weld than wire arc welding alone while adding a filler material to strengthen the weld and account for variance in the seam width. This allows for effective single-pass welding in materials that would usually take several passes with conventional wire arc welding alone. With laser hybrid welding, keyhole depths of 25mm in a single pass can be achieved. Adding the ability to weld on both sides effectively doubles that depth for even thicker applications.
The ADDere laser hybrid welding system also offers a much smaller heat-affected zone than other processes. The process offers the benefit of reduced heat absorption in welded materials. This is due to the system’s use of a powerful but precise laser heat source when producing the weld. The finely controlled and localized heat reduces material deformation outside of the weld area. This localization reduces the need for post-weld heat treating to correct bending or warping that develops using wire arc welding or other processes.
Further, utilizing the ADDere closed-loop feedback system to oversee all aspects of the laser wire welding process helps ensure success in automated heavy plate welding. The proprietary feedback system monitors a variety of weld parameters – including recording the keyhole depth to assessing the finished weld dimensions – in real-time and makes adjustments to the system as needed to guarantee the highest quality welds.
The ADDere laser hybrid welding process is extraordinarily scalable. Combined with the proper robotic automation, systems can be built that could support heavy plate welding up to 40 meters long. Robotic integration of the process also helps ensure a high degree of weld repeatability – which is already exceptional due to the fine-grain control the laser heating inherently provides.
Contact us to learn how laser hybrid welding can fundamentally change the way thick plate welding is done and how we can streamline and enhance your welding process.
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