ISO 23493:2020

Overview

ISO 23493:2020 - "Welding and allied processes - Process specification for laser-arc hybrid welding for metallic materials" - is an ISO process specification that defines equipment, operator qualification, joint preparation and consumables for laser-arc hybrid welding of steels and aluminium alloys. It describes recommended butt, fillet and flange joint preparations, shielding gas guidance, wire selection, steps for equipment and workpiece set‑up, and basic inspection and testing considerations. The standard excludes hybrid processes where the laser is combined with non‑arc heat sources.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to laser‑arc hybrid welding of steels, aluminium and their alloys; excludes hybrid combinations without an electric arc.
• Equipment requirements: Lists essential components - laser source and chiller, beam delivery and focusing optics, arc power source and torch, wire feed, manipulators/robot, clamping/fixturing, seam tracking and process monitoring devices, and safety enclosures. Emphasises maintenance and manufacturer guidelines.
• Operator qualification: Recommends qualification routes aligned with ISO 14732:2013 (welding procedure test, pre‑production/production tests) and functional knowledge testing of automated systems.
• Shielding gas and consumables: Shielding gases shall comply with ISO 14175. ISO 23493 provides recommended gas components and flow rates (see Table 1) and refers to relevant filler‑wire standards (e.g., ISO 14341, ISO 14343).
• Joint design and preparation: Provides recommended butt, fillet and flange joint geometries for single‑ and double‑side welding (Tables 2–4). Notes the process’s higher penetration and lower gap‑bridging tolerance compared with arc welding and gives guidance on acceptable joint gap tolerances.
• Welding procedure and parameters: Guidance on procedure specification (WPS), equipment set‑up, wire selection, torch design and welding parameters; references ISO 15607 and ISO 15614‑14 for welding procedure qualification.
• Pre/post‑weld handling and inspection: Covers workpiece inspection, cleaning, fixturing, equipment checks, and post‑weld inspection, testing and acceptance criteria.
• Safety: Refers to laser and machinery safety standards (e.g., ISO 11553‑1, ISO 13849‑1, IEC 60825 series).

Applications and users

ISO 23493:2020 is practical for:

• Welding engineers and procedure writers developing WPS for laser‑arc hybrid welding
• Fabrication and shipbuilding industries integrating high‑speed, deep‑penetration welding
• Robotic integrators and automation engineers implementing laser‑arc cells
• Quality assurance/inspection teams defining acceptance criteria and testing regimes
• Training providers and personnel responsible for operator qualification

Keywords for search: ISO 23493:2020, laser-arc hybrid welding standard, process specification, welding procedure, joint preparation, shielding gas, weld quality inspection.

Related standards

• ISO 14175 (shielding gases)
• ISO 14732:2013 (welding personnel qualification)
• ISO 15607 / ISO 15614‑14 (WPS and welding procedure tests)
• ISO 9692‑1 / ISO 9692‑3 (groove types for steels and aluminium)
• ISO 14341, ISO 14343 (welding consumables)