Hybrid Techniques |
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Hybrid techniques refer to processes
in which laser welding is combined with other welding methods.
Compatible processes are MIG (metal inert gas) or MAG (metal
active gas) welding as well as TIG (tungsten inert gas) or
plasma welding. In addition, two different laser types such as
diode lasers and solid-state lasers can be combined. Often a
great deal of time and money is put into finding the optimum
hybrid technique and implementing the necessary processes.
For this reason, hybrid techniques are only employed in special
applications.
Here’s an example. In shipbuilding, large steel plates that
can be up to 20 meters long and 15 millimeters thick are
welded together. The gaps between the plates, however, are
too large for the laser beam to bridge by itself. To get around
this problem, laser welding is combined with MIG welding.
The laser delivers the high power densities needed for the
deep welds and enables high welding speeds. This, in turn,
reduces heat input and distortion. The MIG torch, meanwhile,
bridges the gap between the parts and closes the joint using
filler wire. On the whole, the hybrid technique is faster than
MIG welding alone, and the parts undergo less distortion.
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