Recent studies such as the ULSAB AVC program have demonstrated the potential for producing lighter more fuel-efficient automotive vehicles using advanced high strength steels. However, continued development of suitable advanced joining technologies remains vital for their successful integration into production environments.

The Laser Hybrid (Laser / GMAW) process offers superior fit-up tolerance compared to autogenous laser welding, and additional benefits such as increased processing speed, process stability and reduced spattering when compared to conventional GMA welding. This paper will discuss recent innovative work carried out in order to develop hybrid processing technology which is capable of producing high speed welding on zinc coated Advanced High Strength Steels for automotive applications, such as Tailor Welded Blanks.

High quality, high speed welds have been produced without the use of expensive precision shearing and blanking techniques, combined with significantly improved process gap tolerance, this technology could offer significant benefits to tailor welded blank manufacturers, and for automotive assembly joining.

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