Product Code: ICAL09_103

Comparative Analysis of GMA, Laser and Laser-GMA Hybrid Welding
Authors:
Jukka Siltanen, Rautaruukki Oyj; Hämeenlinna Finland
Markus Suomi, Helsinki University of Technology; Helsinki Finland
Presented at ICALEO 2009

Laser welding and laser-MAG hybrid welding are used more often in heavy industry. It is very typical that a product earlier welded by arc welding needs changes to its design when laser or laser-MAG hybrid welding processes are considered. This presentation is based on a Masters thesis, the aim of which was to give guidelines for structural designers. The material used in the welding tests was S355K2 (according to EN 10025-2:2004). Joint geometries were butt and T-joints and material thicknesses were 4 and 6 mm. Groove preparations were made by laser cutting and machining. Welding tests were conducted using Rofin Sinar diode pumped Nd:YAG laser with maximum 4.4 kW laser power and Kemppi Pro4200 Evolution MAG-source. The quality target for the welding was class B, in accordance with EN ISO 13919-1 and EN ISO 5817. The welds were tested destructive and non-destructive in accordance with EN-ISO 15614-1/11. The results show that laser-MAG hybrid welding is more robust and has a higher welding speed than MAG and laser welding. The average weld quality in laser-MAG hybrid welding and MAG welding is better that the average weld quality in laser welding.