An Overview of the Working Conditions of Laser–Arc Hybrid Processes and Their Effects on Steel Plate Welding

Over the past 20 years, laser beam–electric arc hybrid welding has gained popularity, enabling high quality and efficiency standards needed for steel welds in structures subjected to severe working conditions. This process enables single-pass welding of thick components, overcoming issues concerning the individual use of traditional processes based on an electric arc or laser beam. Therefore, thorough knowledge of both processes is necessary to combine them optimally in terms of efficiency, reduced presence of defects, corrosion resistance, and mechanical and metallurgical features of the welds. This article aims to review the technical and metallurgical aspects of hybrid welding reported in the scientific literature mainly of the last decade, outlining possible choices for system configuration, the inter-distance between the two heat sources, as well as the key process parameters, considering their effects on the weld characteristics and also taking into account the consequences for solidification modes and weld composition. Finally, a specific section has been reserved for hybrid welding of clad steel plates.