South Korea: DSME Develops Hybrid Laser Arc Welding Technologies

DSME recently developed hybrid laser arc welding and laser welding technologies. It is the first time that the laser welding method was applied in Korean shipbuilding industries to a Sandwich Plate System (SPS)* hatch covers of Hull No. 4161.

By using laser welding on the SPS hatch cover skin plate, the deformation caused by arc welding is reduced by about 10%. This method allows the seam welding of relatively thin AH36 (3.5mm thick) plates together and has been recorded at speeds of 1m/min which is faster than the method previously used. Using this method, it is possible to weld one side, so there is no need to keep turning which reduces the overall working time.

The hybrid laser arc welding, which is a combination of the advantages of laser and arc welding, minimizes deformities and records speeds of 1.5m/min speed on 8mm thick steel plate one side welding. This means that it can be applied to passenger ships and accommodation blocks which use steel plates with a thickness of less than 10mm.

The laser welding procedure specification was approved by five Classification societies.

*Sandwich Plate System is when two metal plates are bonded to, and form a sandwich with, a compact polyurethane elastomer core. The elastomer provides continuous support to the plates and precludes local plate buckling and the need for stiffeners. The flexural stiffness and strength of the sandwich plate is tailored to meet particular static and dynamic structural requirements by selecting the appropriate thicknesses for the sandwich elements.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, April 10, 2012; Image: dsme