Hybrid laser beam welding - classification, characteristics, and applications

Hybrid laser welding technologies can be defined as the combination of a high quality laser heat source with an additional secondary heat source. Based on such a definition, known hybrid techniques are classified by the type of the heat sources used as well as their arrangement relative to each other. The classification is followed by a discussion of different theoretical aspects occuring during a hybrid laser beam welding process concerning the plasma characteristics and the resultant temperature distribution of the superposed heat sources. Finally, some practical examples demonstrate how the potential of hybrid technologies can be used to extend the application spectrum of the laser beam welding process.