Using hybrid laser-Arc welding to reduce distortion in ship panels

Hybrid laser arc butt-joint welding has been successfully demonstrated in a shipyard production environment on production-scale thin-steel panels. The results of the technology demonstration allow for a direct comparison with submerged arc welding. The resulting process performance metrics for productivity, heat input, distortion, and filler metal used are reported in Table 3. The estimated processing cost of hybrid laser arc welding of butt joints is $0.41/ft and the distortion rework cost savings could range from $0.45 to $13.72/ft ². The ongoing efforts of the program will continue to mitigate risk associated with weld qualification and cost of implementation.