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| ESAB introduces new hybrid laser welding system at IMTS  ESAB Cutting Systems introduced its new hybrid laser arc welding, HLAW, process. This new product line is the 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. HLAW combines the deep weld penetration and low heat input associated with laser welding with the power efficiency and superior gap tolerance of GMAW.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. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Construction News :: home page |