ACCEL - Adapted Chemical Composition of feeding material for Enhanced Laser welding

Purpose and goal

The biggest challenges were temperature measurement (partially solved). Increased understanding of how the chemical impact of mill scale affects the laser cutting process has been created. Stabler welding and methods to enable energy-efficient and productive welding of SSAB´s high-strength steels have been demonstrated. Also nitrogen, pore and spray formation during welding has been described. The new Snapshot method has been further developed to experimentally (with simulation support) develop new alloys and for choice of welding methodology.

Expected results and effects

Increased understanding of laser cutting and the role of mill scale has been studied and recommendations are to keep it intact. For laser welding new fundamental knowledge has been created, resulting in more robust and energy-efficient welding. Laser-arc hybrid welding has been shown to be an enabler for welding in SSAB´s high-strength steels (S960-S1300), compared to traditional welding only with laser-cut surfaces and to an 8-12 times increased productivity. For material development, Snapshot is a soon-to-be industrial method, also with simulation as experimental support.

Planned approach and implementation

The procedure for the project were affected partly by the corona, but also by the outcome of the project. For example, work package 1 has been ongoing throughout the project, instead of only initially due to redistributions and re-decisions of which chemical factors should be studied. Project meetings were held jointly, but after the restrictions due to covid, the work packages were kept more separate and few larger meetings were held. The outcomes have been good in several aspects and in some above expectations.