ESAB acquires control unit for Hybrid Laser Arc Welding

ESAB has completed the purchase of the Master Process Controller (MPC) from Applied Thermal Sciences Inc (ATS) for use in its Hybrid Laser Arc Welding (HLAW) process. The MPC is a patented real-time control system for managing the laser, MIG/MAG welding equipment and the motion system that carries the laser and MIG/MAG welding heads. ESAB has been working with ATS for more than six years to develop this adaptive welding control system for hybrid laser arc welding.

Now that ESAB has acquired the MPC, its Hybrio™ hybrid laser arc welding equipment can be used on thicker materials, larger workpieces and joints with wider gaps. During the welding process, the MPC uses sensors to monitor the joint fit-up, weld geometry and welding conditions, making adjustments as necessary to ensure that the process achieves uniform fill, consistent penetration and excellent weld quality for the entire length of the weld.

With its improved tolerance of gap variations, the hybrid laser arc welding process enables customers to reduce the time and costs associated with joint preparation, post-weld operations and rework. 

ESAB is committed to the HLAW process and has put in place an infrastructure so that it can manufacture, market, sell and support this process. In addition, the company will continue developing the process to create state-of-the-art hybrid laser arc welding systems that will help customers maximise productivity and maintain exceptional quality.

Hybrio™ technology already represents the most advanced automated laser welding system available on the global market. Welding at three to ten times the speed of conventional processes, with 80-90 per cent less heat input, provides a step change in welding performance. "Comparing Hybrio™ technology to Mig welding is like comparing e-mails to faxes – it's a whole new world of welding speed", says Nazmi Adams, Global Marketing Director for ESAB holdings. Available in gantry, robotic and specialised automated systems, ESAB's Hybrio™ is suitable for use in a range of diverse industrial applications.

Brendan Colgan, CEO of ESAB Holdings, is confident in the company's ability to continuously develop innovative welding solutions: "ESAB has demonstrated that new standards can be set that will provide the end user with improved productivity and quality. ESAB is clearly establishing itself as the welding authority, second to none, in delivering innovation to local and global markets.".

http://www.esab.com/hlaw