D. F. Farson, H. Choi, M. Cho, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; I. Harris, Edison Welding Institute, Columbus, OH

Summary: Laser energy is focused near the edge of the GMA weld pool. Conditions that produce spreading of the weld deposit are determined and maximum travel speed prior to humping onset is determined to be approximately 75% to 100% higher than for the un-aided GMAW process.