Using infrared thermography in order to compare laser and hybrid (laser+MIG) welding processes

In order to deepen the understanding of the differences between laser and laser-arc hybrid welding, comparisons were undertaken using thermography. The experiments were carried out for a T assembly of aluminium alloy plates. Modelling, based on the finite element method approach, was realized using IR temperature measurements and seam geometry. For a value of the power supply, depicted as a surface source in the hybrid case, agreement was found between simulated and measured temperatures. The arc power supply efficiency value is similar to the usually used value.