Authors:
Achim Mahrle
Institut fu¨r Fertigungstechnik IF, Technische Universita¨t Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany and Fraunhofer IWS Dresden, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277 Dresden, Germany

Sascha Rose
Michael Schnick
Institut fu¨r Fertigungstechnik IF, Technische Universita¨t Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany

Eckhard Beyer
Institut fu¨r Fertigungstechnik IF, Technische Universita¨t Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany and Fraunhofer IWS Dresden, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277 Dresden, Germany

Uwe Fu¨ssel
Institut fu¨r Fertigungstechnik IF, Technische Universita¨t Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany

A plasma arc and a low-power/high beam quality laser beam were coaxially combined into one process in order to obtain a more efficient and stable arc for thin sheet welding applications. Theoretical discussion of interaction mechanisms between the laser beam and the plasma arc and results of bead-on-plate welding trials carried out on AISI 304 stainless steel will be presented. Measurements were made of electrical and geometrical arc properties with and without assistance from the laser beam. Additionally, the impact of the laser beam on the weld seam geometry was evaluated. The results showed that the use of the additional low-power laser beam is capable of producing significant process improvements in comparison to the individual plasma arc process alone with respect to arc stability and welding performance.