Effects of Nd:YAG laser plus pulsed MAG arc hybrid welding parameters on its weld shape

Weld penetration depth, width, reinforcement and reinforcement to width ratio were defined as the factors to evaluate the weld shape. The effects of Nd: YAG laser + pulsed metal active gas (MAG) arc hybrid welding parameters on the weld shape were investigated with bead on plate tests. The results indicated that the laser energy mainly decides the weld penetration and the weld width depends on the arc for a given welding speed. The Nd: YAG laser has some effects on the hybrid weld appearance in varying of laser - arc distance and location of laser focus. The addition of laser energy in pulsed MAG arc welding can greatly increase its welding speed and the arc can improve the absorption of laser energy by workpiece. The test results also show that there is a matching relationship between the optimal laser - arc distance and the welding current for a given laser energy.