Product category:
Automatic and robotic welding systems
News Release from: ESAB Cutting Systems | Subject: Hybrid laser arc welding systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 August 2006
Hybrid laser arc welding systems
introduced
A mechanised hybrid laser arc welding process utilizes laser only, laser with cold wire fill, or hybrid laser arc welding in a 2D gantry, 3D robotic or custom system with closed-loop process control.
ESAB Cutting Systems will introduce its new hybrid laser arc welding (HLAW) process at IMTS 2006, Booth B6157 This new product line is the first commercially available mechanized laser-welding systems utilizing laser only, laser with cold wire fill, or hybrid laser arc welding in a 2D gantry, 3D robotic or custom mechanized solution with closed-loop weld process control
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Laser cut plates/sheet need little finishing
Generally, the metal cutting edge achieved with Alpharex laser system needs no extensive finishing after cutting and profiling large sheet metal plate extremely accurately.
All the components of these systems are available from a single source and are supported and serviced by ESAB.
A video presentation at IMTS will highlight the process and show it in use ESAB's test laboratory.
Experts will also be on hand to discuss the process and answer questions.
Further reading
Cooljet torch automates oxy-fuel gas cutting
Esab Cutting Systems has introduced a conversion package allowing oxy-fuel gas cutting machine users to convert to Esab's Cooljet torch to raise productivity.
CNC cutting systems peripheries described
Modular cutting tables for cutting metals up to 300mm thick or 3000mm x 6000mm, are included in a range of peripheral accessories described in recent ESAB literature.
Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) combines the deep weld penetration and low heat input associated with laser welding with the power efficiency and superior gap tolerance of GMAW (gas metal arc welding) to create a new welding alternative.
The deep penetration and fast weld speeds of laser welding reduce heat infusion into the part and reduce the associated distortion that causes plates to buckle and warp, making fit-up unpredictable and often costly to repair.
This deep penetration, however, can limit laser welding's ability to produce acceptable weld fusion in weldments with wide gaps between parts.
Adding GMAW in tandem with the laser, with the addition of a relatively modest amount of filler metal, creates a wider weld bead capable of bridging much larger weld gaps, up to four times as wide as conventional laser processes can handle.
Adding GMAW to the welding mix also enhances a finished part's metallurgical stability, and with GMAW's slower cooling rates, produces welds with greater strength and less brittleness.
This is especially beneficial for higher alloyed steels sensitive to hot cracking.
The hybrid process improves process efficiency and overall productivity, improves weld quality, lowers production costs and offers more versatility than conventional welding processes, setting new standards for productivity, cost efficiency and flexibility in heavy fabrication applications.
ESAB Welding and Cutting Products is one of the world's largest and most experienced manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals.
Recognized as the technological leader in the industry, ESAB is committed to providing customized solutions for its customers.
* ESAB at IMTS 2006,Chicago, USA, September 6-13, Booth B-6157. Request a free brochure from ESAB Cutting Systems ...
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