Abstract

The main factors influencing the potential of laser beam welding are defined by the product, the quality of the welded component and the available laser system. At the beginning of the production chain stands the laser oriented design. Using conventional design guidelines will not allow to achieve the full benefit of laser beam welding. The need for laser oriented design will be shown e.g. for the substitution of riveting by User beam welding in the aircraft industry [1]. An other example is the substitution of MAG-welding technology by laser beam welding in the ship building industry.

© 1996 IEEE