Faster, More Reliable, and Cost-Effective with Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding Technology
In heavy industries such as shipbuilding, infrastructure, energy, and large-scale construction, the need for welding high-thickness steel plates, especially above 15 mm, is growing rapidly. Traditional approaches, such as multi-pass Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), often require extensive joint preparation and multiple filler passes to achieve full penetration. This leads to high labour costs, long production times, increased distortion, and greater consumption of materials.
To solve these challenges, researchers and industry innovators are turning to Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding (HLAW) technology—a cutting-edge fusion process that combines the deep penetration of high-power lasers with the gap-bridging capabilities of arc welding. In a recent advancement, a 20 mm thick EH40 naval-grade steel plate was successfully welded in a single pass using a butt joint with no chamfering or bevel.
Key Highlights of the Breakthrough
- Single-pass weld on 20 mm EH40 steel
- No joint beveling or additional edge preparation
- 1-meter weld seam demonstrating industrial viability
- Minimised heat-affected zone (HAZ)
- Reduced material waste and faster throughput
This process not only cuts down production time significantly but also increases reliability by ensuring higher consistency and fewer fabrication defects. The absence of edge preparation simplifies fit-up, making it particularly attractive for automated and robotic welding lines.
Scalability & Industrial Relevance
The 1-meter test seam confirms that this method is not just a laboratory success—it’s a scalable, repeatable, and industry-ready process. Its implementation is now viable on automated welding machines across sectors requiring thick steel welds, such as:
- Naval and marine engineering
- Bridge and tunnel construction
- Steel fabrication for oil, gas, and hydrogen infrastructure
- Rail and transport system development
As laser power continues to increase, experts are optimistic that even thicker steel plates can soon be welded in a single pass. This advancement has the potential to reshape traditional fabrication workflows, lower overall project costs, and drive sustainability through more efficient material usage.
There is the reasonable hope to push the single-pass maximum weldable thickness even further.— Simone Peli | Physicist, R&D Department
Partnering with Specialist Machinery Sales
Specialist Machinery Sales (SMS) is a complete system and solution provider. SMS proudly offers complete material handling to meet our clients’ material flow pain points and challenges; thus, innovating the traditional material flow of a fabricator’s workshop- fabrication/assembly and welding out before shot blasting and painting. We are proud to be the only partner in Australia and New Zealand that can provide a complete system and integrate these machines for steel processing for all steel profiles and plates. We partner with only the best and superior machine tool builders that have been market leaders of innovation and automation in the steel industry. We strongly believe that the future for our clients and the steel industry is to link the various machines and technologies, software, material handling, and automation together. This is now possible with a mix of new and pre-loved machines that can be integrated into the material handling ecosystem and footprint available when partnering with SMS.
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