Minimization of welding distortion and buckling

Abstract

Low heat input welding technologies such as laser beam and hybrid laser-arc welding (HLAW), which have the ability to reduce weld distortion in thin-panel structures, are introduced. Low heat input laser and hybrid laser-arc welds were made on panels ranging from 1 to almost 6m long and compared with conventional (high heat input) arc welding techniques. Experimental and analytical weld distortion data are presented to provide a direct comparison of conventional and advanced welding technologies. It is demonstrated that a hybrid laser arc weld process, which is well suited for today’s heavy manufacturing environment, can reduce distortion by a factor of 2 to 4 compared with conventional processes.