Product Code: ICA12_1404

Development and Application of the 10 kW Fiber Laser Welding System
Authors:
Yosuke Yamazaki, Joining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka Univ.; Osaka Japan
Akikazu Kitagawa, Hitachi Zosen Corporation; Osaka Japan
Presented at ICALEO 2012

The authors have developed laser welding technologies for about 20 years. Our practical application has been started for thin stainless steel products in 1999. In this study, we developed high power laser welding system for thick plate products. A 10kW fiber laser is used for this system. By using this system, we can fabricate thick plate products whose thicknesses are 15mm max. We applied this laser welding system for some parts of chemical plant equipment. Their cross section shape is simple T-joint and their welding length is about 4000mm. The mechanical property of laser welding joint satisfies the requirement of design. Arc welding method had been applied for this fabrication, but it took much time to correct large distortion. This developed excellent laser welding system enable to decrease cost and correction time dramatically.