Characterization of positioning tolerances for welding with laser radiation and description of possibilities for compensation in materials' processing

The article describes the effects of gaps caused during production in the laser-beam welding of workpieces. The article also outlines permissible tolerance levels. If these tolerances are exceeded, more material needs to be added to ensure that welded joints are created free of any defects. Generally speaking, using additional material entails increasing energy-input levels. To ensure the economic feasability of the process, the use of additional material and the input of energy needs to be optimised in connection with the gap. A new concept of control for this requirement has been developed and presented.