Effects of edge oxides from laser cutting in laser-arc hybrid welding

Laser-arc hybrid welding (LAHW) is a promising technique for joining sheets due to fast processing speeds and small gap bridgeability. Prior to welding, the edges are often prepared using laser cutting. However, this often leaves small striations with a thin oxide layer that may affect the weld quality. Compared to milled edges, these striations produces a quasigap in a butt joint configuration. The effects of these cutting oxides upon welding are yet unknown. Here, the effects of these oxides in combination with CO2 in the shielding gas are investigated for the LAHW process, using a cold metal transfer arc process. (C) 2018 Laser Institute of America.