Laser lap welding of galvanized steel sheets under zero gap conditions using an Nd:YAG laser is difficult since there is a considerable amount of Zn vapor generated between the metal sheets which must be vented out of the weld pool. Compared to a high power CO2 laser, a 3 kW Nd:YAG laser does not have enough energy density to keep the keyhole open for a sufficient time for Zn vapor to escape. By combining a YAG laser with a TIG welding process, the additional energy from the TIG plasma helps to sustain the keyhole during welding and improve the weld quality.
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