Dynamic Observation of High Speed Laser-Arc Combination Welding of Thick Steel Plates(Physics, Processes, Instruments & Measurements)

Leading Path Laser-Arc Combination (LPLAC) welding, which consists of laser-arc combination welding with a leading path for the laser beam, enables much deeper penetration than conventional laser-arc combination welding. It also enables higher speed and more stable welding compared with the conventional arc welding with a narrow V groove. To elucidate the reasons for this greater effectiveness, the behavior of the laser plasma, arc plasma, and the molten metal were observed during LPLAC welding using a high-speed video camera operating at 500 frames per second. It was found that the laser plasma stabilized the arc at an optimal distance between the laser and the arc, accounting for the very high speed and deep penetration of this method.Leading Path Laser-Arc Combination (LPLAC) welding, which consists of laser-arc combination welding with a leading path for the laser beam, enables much deeper penetration than conventional laser-arc combination welding. It also enables higher speed and more stable welding compared with the conventional arc welding with a narrow V groove. To elucidate the reasons for this greater effectiveness, the behavior of the laser plasma, arc plasma, and the molten metal were observed during LPLAC welding using a high-speed video camera operating at 500 frames per second. It was found that the laser plasma stabilized the arc at an optimal distance between the laser and the arc, accounting for the very high speed and deep penetration of this method.