Modelling of hybrid laser-GMA welding: review and challenges

Hybrid welding, which is the integration of laser beam welding (LBW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW), may minimise the disadvantages while retaining the advantages for each of the two welding technologies and, hence, has recently received increasing interest in the welding industry. However, the hybrid welding involves very complex transport phenomena which are inherited from each of LBW and GMAW and their interactions. The development of hybrid welding has been based on the trial and error procedure and so far rather limited numerical modelling on hybrid welding is available. This paper presents an up to date literature review on modelling of the hybrid welding including LBW and GMAW. Issues and challenges for a comprehensive hybrid welding model are discussed. With the advances of numerical techniques and computers, a comprehensive hybrid welding model can be developed as a useful tool for determining key process parameters and helping the elimination/reduction of possible weld defects.