Effect of relative location of laser beam and TIG arc in different hybrid welding modes

The laser leading hybrid welding mode [laser tungsten inert gas (laser-TIG)] and TIG leading hybrid welding mode (TIG-laser) were utilised in the magnesium alloy welding process. The effects of TIG arc current and the distance between laser beam and TIG electrode (Dla) on penetration depth and melting efficiency in different hybrid welding modes were investigated. Results reveal that there is a decided difference in variation trend of penetration depth with Dla in different welding modes. The penetration depth increases first and then decreases with the Dla increasing from 1 to 7 mm in TIG-laser hybrid welding mode while the penetration depth decreases monotonously with Dla in laser-TIG hybrid welding mode. The increase percentage of melting efficiency remains at ∼20% in laser-TIG hybrid welding mode while the increase percentage fluctuates acutely and achieves the maximal value (∼53·14%) at the arc current of 120 A in TIG-laser hybrid welding mode.