Product Code: ICA12_M406

Micro-Laser-GMA Hybrid Welding – The Advancement from Macro to Micro Range
Authors:
Uwe Reisgen, RWTH Aachen Univ., ISF Welding and Joining Institute; -
Simon Olschok, RWTH Aachen Univ., ISF Welding and Joining Institute; -
Stefan Jakobs, RWTH Aachen Univ., ISF Welding and Joining Institute; -
Michael Mavany, RWTH Aachen Univ., ISF Welding and Joining Institute; -
Presented at ICALEO 2012

Laser beam welding is characterized by high process speed and low energy input. A shorter processing time and also less distortion are the results. Expensive clamping and subassembly techniques are, however, setting limits to the application scope of laser beam welding of thin sheets and metal foils, particularly in the field of unit production and small-lot production. A gap of just 0,1 mm causes inadequate welding results, for example, root concavity and top bead sinkage, since a large part of the beam is streaming through the gap and, thus, the better part of its power remains unused. The quantity of molten material is, therefore, insufficient for the achievement of faultless welds. The application of micro-laser-GMA hybrid welding allows to expand the tolerance range and thus to considerably reduce work expenditure for the welding of fine sheets and/or metal foil joints. The hybrid technology also allows the reduction of cycle times through the increase of the welding speed and, moreover, the reduction of clamping expenditure which, again, results in enormous cost saving potentials. In this publication, the successful implementation of the established laser-GMA hybrid welding from the macro to the micro-range and the advantages are demonstrated.