Optimization of parameters in hybrid welding of aluminum alloy

Numerous advantages of hybrid welding, in which laser beam and arc has combined, over autogenous laser welding has been reported. Especially in case of inaccurate joint preparation or fixturing of the plates to be welded because of the filler metal added to the process through MIG-welding. Also additional heat, coming from the arc to the process, enables higher welding speed and deeper penetration. Aluminum alloy (AlMg3) was used in the experiments. Welding was carried out by using the hybrid process (combination of Nd:YAG- and MIG-welding) in the flat position. The joint preparation was carried out as shear cut and different gap widths were used. Welding experiments were made systematically using a statistical experiment procedure called TAGUCHI-method. Parameters, for example alignment of point of arc and laser, varied in experiments. Also characteristic parameters of both welding methods were changed according to the experimental procedure. In this paper results of welding experiments are reported as well as parameters used. A phenomenona of the hybrid process with aluminum is discussed and also reasons for weld defects occurred are pointed out.