Hybrid Welding System combines laser with GMAW.
Press Release Summary:
Hybrid Laser Arc Welding combines deep weld penetration and low heat input of laser welding with power efficiency and gap tolerance of GMAW (gas metal arc welding). Adding GMAW in tandem with laser and filler metal creates wider weld bead and enhances metallurgical stability. Mechanized system utilizes laser only, laser with cold wire fill, or hybrid laser arc welding in 2D gantry, 3D robotic, or custom mechanized solution with closed-loop weld process control.
Original Press Release:
ESAB Introduces New Hybrid Laser Welding System at IMTS
Florence, SC - ESAB Cutting Systems will introduce its new hybrid laser arc welding (HLAW) process at IMTS 2006, Booth #B6157. This new product line is the first commercially available mechanized laser-welding systems utilizing laser only, laser with cold wire fill, or hybrid laser arc welding in a 2D gantry, 3D robotic or custom mechanized solution with closed-loop weld process control. All the components of these systems are available from a single source and are supported and serviced by ESAB. A video presentation at IMTS will highlight the process and show it in use ESAB's test laboratory. Experts will also be on hand to discuss the process and answer questions.
Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) combines the deep weld penetration and low heat input associated with laser welding with the power efficiency and superior gap tolerance of GMAW to create a new welding alternative. The deep penetration and fast weld speeds of laser welding reduce heat infusion into the part and reduce the associated distortion that causes plates to buckle and warp, making fit-up unpredictable and often costly to repair. This deep penetration, however, can limit laser welding's ability to produce acceptable weld fusion in weldments with wide gaps between parts.
Adding GMAW in tandem with the laser, with the addition of a relatively modest amount of filler metal, creates a wider weld bead capable of bridging much larger weld gaps, up to four times as wide as conventional laser processes can handle. Adding GMAW to the welding mix also enhances a finished part's metallurgical stability, and with GMAW's slower cooling rates, produces welds with greater strength and less brittleness. This is especially beneficial for higher alloyed steels sensitive to hot cracking.
The hybrid process improves process efficiency and overall productivity, improves weld quality, lowers production costs and offers more versatility than conventional welding processes, setting new standards for productivity, cost efficiency and flexibility in heavy fabrication applications.
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is one of the world's largest and most experienced manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals. Recognized as the technological leader in the industry, ESAB is committed to providing customized solutions for its customers. For more information on the new mechanized laser welding systems, visit www.esabna.com or call 1-800-ESAB-123.
