Hybrid welding of AA5754-H111 alloy using a fiber laser

The new generation of high power fiber lasers presents several benefits for industrial application. Nevertheless, due to the small spot size of the laser, the fiber laser has difficulties in some welding applications. These shortcomings can be overcome by laser-arc hybrid welding technique such as laser-gas metal arc welding or laser-gas tungsten arc welding. In this work, a high power fiber laser was coupled to an arc welder and the AA5754-H111 magnesium aluminum alloy was welded. The trials were carried out using laser leading configuration. A new generation of high power fiber laser was used. The experimental trials included process parameters such as laser power, welding speed and arc current. Microstructure, microhardness and weld appearance were analyzed. The experimental results showed that laser leading configuration produces full penetration for some welding parameters. The obtained results worth a larger investigation based on the experimental design technique. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.