Laser and laser hybrid welding offer the potential for low distortion and high speed welding compared to conventional welding processes. This is accompanied with advantages in different fields of application, e.g. in structural applications the effort for straightening can be minimized. However, to exploit the potentials in industrial production in the heavy industries, several steps have to be taken. First, appropriate welding equipment for flexible use has to be designed and qualified. Second, a deepen understanding of both welding processes (in special of laser GMA hybrid welding) in view of process stability has to be established. Finally, welding parameters for various applications have to be established and evaluated e.g. in view of quality.
Within this paper, first results of three projects to develop laser and laser GMA hybrid welding processes and equipment for welding of large structures will be reported.