Long linear welds are required to join large sub-components in final assembly stages in shipbuilding. The length of the welds at block joints and girders may reach up to 20m. Tack welding using the DockLaser equipment will be applied to maintain suitable gap tolerances.
To ensure mobility, reliability and flexibility, a modular tractor system has been selected for this application. The equipment is designed in the smallest possible dimensions to ensure accessibility to the joints in a complex shipbuilding environment. Easy adaptations will be possible for the performance of butt respectively fillet welds. The system will be equipped for laser hybrid welding - a combination of GMA- and laser welding thus achieving excellent joint quality. A laser scanner will be implemented to detect varying gaps and adopt the process parameters. Furthermore, shielding systems and interlocks will ensure work safety and comfort for the operators.

As laser welding of long joints requires accurate positioning of the components, a mechanized tack welding device will be developed to ensure gap tolerances.
The system will be manually positioned while welding is being performed using a small internal axis. This makes the system independent from user guidance and ensures constant high quality of the joint. Laser welding will be used in the tack welding device where no additional filler material is necessary. The system is completely shielded towards the environment thus obtaining favourable working conditions.

Arc welding and oxygen cutting in outfitting operations on board produces significant heat distortions and can damage previously installed equipment and surface treatment. The use of laser processing will improve productivity, quality and working conditions by reducing fumes and gases.
The system developed by DockLaser is based on equipment previously developed for prototyping in the automotive industry. It will be equipped with modular processing heads ensuring efficient application for both cutting and welding. Along with newbuilding, the equipment can also be used in ship repair. Miniaturized components will ensure accessibility even in restricted and overhead positions. An integrated drive will make the system independent from operator skills and ensure good quality. The system is completely shielded and interlocked to ensure safe and comfortable work operations.

Tubes are widely used in modern ships for various purposes. Often the flanges are being welded on site to cope with the tolerances of large components in late assembly stages. Solid state laser welding without filler material can provide a higher accuracy and a better weld quality.
The equipment developed by the DockLaser project can be integrated in MIG and TIG welding machines which are currently being used by the partner shipyards, such reducing the investment cost.