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Expansion of laser–arc hybrid welding to horizontal and vertical-up welding

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Abstract

Laser–arc hybrid welding (LAHW) is an advanced welding method that combines arc welding and laser welding and can achieve deep penetration and the reduction of welding deformation compared with conventional arc welding. As with other welding techniques, it is common to target the flat position (PA) as the welding position. However, the expansion of the applicable positions enables the application of high-quality welded joints fabricated by LAHW to many welded joints in large steel structures. This study used the LAHW system with a robot manipulator to establish weldability in the horizontal position (PC) and the vertical-up position (PF) to expand the applicable range of LAHW in large steel structures. Suitable LAHW conditions for fabricating the butt-welded joint with a welding length of 1,000 mm for these positions were established through various investigations, including molten pool observation. Finally, the quality of these joints was evaluated in accordance with the laser–arc hybrid welding guidelines (ClassNK) of Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, and it was confirmed that the joints satisfy the required standards.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to all related parties for their cooperation in NDT and mechanical tests and provision or preparation of test materials. This study was supported by JFE Steel Corporation through the provision of KC-550, which is a welding wire for J-STAR® Welding. We thank Edanz (https://jp.edanz.com/ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

    Takamori Uemura

  2. Department of Marine Systems Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, Japan

    Koji Gotoh

  3. Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., 5-1 Shioya, Kurogawa-cho, Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan

    Issei Uchino

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  1. Takamori Uemura
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  2. Koji Gotoh
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  3. Issei Uchino
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Correspondence to Koji Gotoh.

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Recommended for publication by Commission XV - Design, Analysis, and Fabrication of Welded Structures

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Uemura, T., Gotoh, K. & Uchino, I. Expansion of laser–arc hybrid welding to horizontal and vertical-up welding. Weld World 66, 495–506 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-021-01236-7

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