ESAB Introduces New Hybrid Laser Welding System

Florence, SC – ESAB Welding & Cutting Products introduces the HLx Series, 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. All the components of these systems are available from a single source and are supported and serviced by ESAB.

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 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.

A key component of the system is a patented closed-loop control that allows the system to monitor the weld joint in real time and modify the process to accommodate a joint mismatch. The control monitors and adapts the welding process faster than a human operator could, allowing travel speeds that would not be possible with conventional control systems. This technology is available as a robotic system, a portable tractor system or on a moving gantry.

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 & 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.