Product Code: ICAL05_1903

Laser Welding for Coil Joining in a Steel Mill: Technical Advantages and Economics
Authors:
Robert Mueller, Dofasco Inc.; Hamilton ON Canada
Andy Lee, Dofasco Inc.; Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Deni Bellai, Dofasco Inc.; Hamilton, Ontario Canada
Presented at ICALEO 2005

Laser welding has been widely accepted in many industries. Commercial systems are now available to laser weld steel coils end-to-end for continuous processing in steel mills. These systems compete with more traditional flash butt and resistance seam welding systems. This paper will describe the technical requirements for a coil joining weld, in terms of welding time and weld properties, and compare the capabilities of a laser welder with a flash butt welder. The economics of choosing a welding system for steel coil joining will also be discussed.