Beschreibung
The thermal cycle provided by laser-based welding processes can often exceed the restrictions towards the acceptable temperature gradients and cooling rates. Against this background, the induction-assisted welding offers a suitable solution for achievement of an optimized welding thermal cycle that can be obtained without reduction of the flexibility or performance of the laser welding. In order to provide the basis for successful simulation and design of such induction heat treatment, a methodology for description of the overall thermal cycle has been developed and verified. It has been implemented in a flexible numerical model that is suitable for optimization of different process situations. Using this numerical model, the relevant physical backgrounds of the induction heating have been analyzed with regard to its implementation in the laser based welding processes. Analysis of the heat treatment dedicated for welding of flat materials in butt joint configuration has provided the background for application of both induction preheating and post-heating method. Relevant parameters of the induction heating process have been identified and evaluated with regard to their influence on the overall thermal cycle. The obtained knowledge has been used for development of a new combined technology that merges the laser welding and induction hardening into one process.