Laser beam welding with filler metal

Abstract

Laser beam welding generally does without the use of filler metal, in contrast to conventional welding processes. The use of filler metal in laser beam welding or in the combined GMA (gas-metal-arc) - laser beam - hybrid welding process widens the field of application for laser beam welding. The main advantages worthy of mention include, primarily, a greater weld gap bridging ability and a metallurgical influence on the weld metal. Based on the current state of knowledge, this article gives a few examples of different materials and material combinations the limited weldability of which is broadened when filler metal is used with laser beam welding. Listed as examples are low-alloy steels with partly elevated carbon contents, duplex steels, and the material combinations of steel/cast iron and austenite-ferrite joints. Besides laser beam welding with filler metal wire, examples of the combined GMA-laser hybrid welding process are also described.