Laser Hybrid Welding of Nickel-based super alloys

Research to increase the efficiency of conventional fossil power plants by increasing the steam temperature and pressure has been pursued worldwide. The need to reduce CO2 emissions has recently provided an additional incentive to increase efficiency. The main enabling technology in achieving the above goals has been the development of stronger high-temperature materials. Solid solution and carbide-strengthened nickel-based super alloys have been identified as candidate materials for Advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) boilers capable of operating with 760°C, 35 MPa steam. Laser hybrid welding is one of the potential fusion joining techniques developed for these alloys. Deep penetration capability of laser and edge bridgability of arc process enable the processing of defect-free joints at higher speed with acceptable mechanical properties. The laser hybrid welding process is an AMSE-coded and validated process.