| The need for green and sustainable energy is continually on the rise. The use of light weight yet load bearing materials like aluminium has become important as structural materials. Aluminium can be fabricated by welding which is challenging compared to steel due to the presence of aluminium oxide coating and high conductivity of aluminium. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the optics and laser systems applicable to hybrid laser welding of aluminium. This article is a critical review on aluminium alloys and their weld defects including hot cracking, porosity and heat affected zone (HAZ) degradation. Furthermore, the effect of the properties of aluminium in fusion welding, hybrid laser welding optics and the challenges aluminium presents to hybrid laser welding are also studied. It is observed that aluminium limited the selection of hybrid laser welding system and optics. The configuration of the welding head is critical to the effectiveness and efficiency of the welding system. The required weld properties influence possible optimization of hybrid laser welding. This article can be used by welders and welding engineers for hybrid laser welding of aluminium in addition to understanding how viable is hybrid laser welding of aluminium. |
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