Hybrid arc/laser welding with earth contactor position control
US6608285B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2101/185
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Hybrid welding process using a laser beam and an electric arc to produce a weld bead. The electric arc is established between an electrode connected to a first pole of a current source and at least one workpiece to be welded and connected to a second pole of a current source via at least one electrically conducting earth contactor in contact with the workpiece to be welded. To obtain effective welding, a contact is made between the earth contactor and the workpiece to be welded laterally and/or upstream of the point of impingement of the electric arc on the workpiece(s) to be welded, and considering the direction of formation of the welded joint, so as to balance the forces associated with the induced electromagnetic field acting on the puddle of liquid metal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.