Laser hybrid welding combines laser and arc process to one process that has some advantages over both of the processes on their own. One advantage is the relief of the tolerances of laser welding. When this is combined with the advantages of laser welding, the hybrid welding process becomes an interesting solution for manufacturers of large products for improving their productivity.
There have been many different assumptions made about the phenomena occurring during hybrid welding. This study utilizes special videographing system capable to provide a clear view of the hybrid welding process and the base material surrounding it. The pictures taken from CO2 laser-MAG hybrid welding process show that some of the earlier assumptions are correct. In the study some parameters were varied one at the time and the effects of the variations on the process were observed. The quality of the resulting welds was studied by visual and macrographic examination of the welds.
It was seen clearly that when the processes are close enough to each other the arc is aimed towards the laser beam and keyhole and the processes are acting together. The airgap in the joint helps the interaction between the processes, since in such a case the arc turns more efficiently towards the laser beam and keyhole. It was also possible to see the changes in process stability and the formation of some of the weld defects.