D. F. Farson, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; M. H. Cho, H. W. Choi, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; P. E. Denney, Edison Welding Institute, Columbus, OH

Summary: GMAW is used to deposit filler metal in the usual manner, but laser energy is focused onto the substrate at the edge of the weld pool. The added heat allows the weld metal to spread further in the lateral direction, producing weld beads with very smooth toes and excellent fatigue properties.