The invention relates to a device (1) for laser cladding, a method (100) for operating such a device, and a component (4′) produced using such a method and/or such a device comprising a laser cladding unit (2) having at least one laser cladding head (3) disposed thereon, one or more material sources (5) for supplying the laser cladding head with a material (M) to be applied, and a laser beam source (6) for supplying the laser cladding head with laser light (L) for carrying out the laser cladding, wherein the device is configured to apply material layers (42, 43, 44) from an adjacent application cladding track (MS) to a surface (41) of a component (4) in the form of at least a first layer (42) made from a material (M) that comprises structures (42s) projecting from the surface of the first layer and having a first hardness (H1), and a second layer (43) applied thereto made from a material (M) having a second hardness (H2) that is less than the first hardness, and the application process is controlled so that the second layer at least partly covers the structures projecting from the first layer.

Methods, devices and systems for laser-supported plasma cutting or plasma welding of a workpiece. In one aspect, a method includes producing a plasma beam which extends in an expansion direction between an electrode and a processing location on the workpiece, the plasma beam having, with respect to a center axis of the plasma beam that extends in the expansion direction, an inner central region and an outer edge region, and supplying laser radiation to the outer edge region of the plasma beam. The laser radiation supplied to the outer edge region extends parallel with the center axis of the plasma beam.

Methods, devices and systems for laser-supported plasma cutting or plasma welding of a workpiece. In one aspect, a method includes producing a plasma beam which extends in an expansion direction between an electrode and a processing location on the workpiece, the plasma beam having, with respect to a center axis of the plasma beam that extends in the expansion direction, an inner central region and an outer edge region, and supplying laser radiation to the outer edge region of the plasma beam. The laser radiation supplied to the outer edge region extends parallel with the center axis of the plasma beam.

A multi-operational welding-type system including a user interface supported by a support structure and including a first user interface device moveable between a welding position, a gouging position, and an off position, and a second user interface device configured to alter operation parameters of the multi-operational welding-type system. A controller is supported by the support structure and monitors the position of the first user interface device and utilizes the operational parameters supplied via the second user interface device. The multi-operational welding-type system may perform only one of a gouging-type process and a welding-type process at a given time depending on the position of the first user interface device.

A multi-operational welding-type system including a user interface supported by a support structure and including a first user interface device moveable between a welding position, a gouging position, and an off position, and a second user interface device configured to alter operation parameters of the multi-operational welding-type system. A controller is supported by the support structure and monitors the position of the first user interface device and utilizes the operational parameters supplied via the second user interface device. The multi-operational welding-type system may perform only one of a gouging-type process and a welding-type process at a given time depending on the position of the first user interface device.

A method of manufacturing of a component having the steps of manufacturing of a first segment for the component by a powder-bed manufacturing process, and the manufacturing of a second segment for the component originating from the first segment by an additive manufacturing process, such that the second segment projects by a projecting distance over at least one side face of the first segment. Furthermore, a component has the first segment being manufactured by the powder-bed manufacturing process and the second segment being manufactured by the additive manufacturing process, wherein the second segment projects by a projecting distance over at least one side face of the first segment.

A method of manufacturing of a component having the steps of manufacturing of a first segment for the component by a powder-bed manufacturing process, and the manufacturing of a second segment for the component originating from the first segment by an additive manufacturing process, such that the second segment projects by a projecting distance over at least one side face of the first segment. Furthermore, a component has the first segment being manufactured by the powder-bed manufacturing process and the second segment being manufactured by the additive manufacturing process, wherein the second segment projects by a projecting distance over at least one side face of the first segment.

A welded assembly includes a first component including an aluminum material, a second component including a stainless steel, and a third component including a steel material. An ultrasonic weld is formed between the first and second components to join them and form a stack. A sealant and/or adhesive may be applied to the stack. A resistance spot weld is used to join the third component to the stack to form the welded assembly. The resistance spot weld encompasses a portion of the first, second, and third components, and a portion of the ultrasonic weld. The resistance spot weld is completely encompassed in the welded assembly, and thus is sealed from electrolyte in a surrounding environment.

Provided are a component and an additive manufacturing method for fabricating a component. The additive manufacturing method for fabricating a component includes providing a first wire segment and a second wire segment, the first and second wire segments each having a cross-sectional stackable geometry; positioning the first wire segment into an alignment with the second wire segment to form a workpiece stack, the alignment aligning adjacent surfaces in a line of sight direction; and directing an energy beam toward the first wire segment and the second wire segment along the alignment to weld the first wire segment to the second wire segment to form a welded stack. The component includes a workpiece stack comprising a plurality of wire segments welded together along aligned adjacent surfaces.

Provided are a component and an additive manufacturing method for fabricating a component. The additive manufacturing method for fabricating a component includes providing a first wire segment and a second wire segment, the first and second wire segments each having a cross-sectional stackable geometry; positioning the first wire segment into an alignment with the second wire segment to form a workpiece stack, the alignment aligning adjacent surfaces in a line of sight direction; and directing an energy beam toward the first wire segment and the second wire segment along the alignment to weld the first wire segment to the second wire segment to form a welded stack. The component includes a workpiece stack comprising a plurality of wire segments welded together along aligned adjacent surfaces.