Laser Center Hannover (LZH) is developing a new type of process for hybrid laser arc welding with thick wire.
When welding thick sheets, large seam gaps must be bridged. Researchers working on the ÖkoHybrid project want to close these gaps using fewer layers, by feeding in relatively thick wire with a diameter of 3 mm.
As part of the “ÖkoHybrid” project, the LZH scientists are investigating welding processes on fine-grain structural steels with sheet thicknesses of up to 20 mm. The developers want to combine a commercially available laser beam source with an output of 3 kW and a welding power source with an output of up to 40 kW.
The welding power source is being developed by project partner ELMA-Tech. Another project partner Förster Welding Systems will realize a complete system for the hybrid welding process. And Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, will carry out fundamental investigations into the MSG welding process, and also test and characterize the welded joints.
The use of 3 mm thick wires allows a large amount of material to be inserted, significantly reducing the number of layers to be welded and thus increasing efficiency. The additional laser beam increases the process stability.
