Abstract
Innovative welding processes as beam welding processes or hybrid laser welding processes are emerging recently for weld connec tions of high strength steels. These welding processes outweigh some drawbacks (e.g. increased distortions) of the state of the art welding processes. The altered boundary conditio ns (e.g. increased energy density, lower alloyed filler materials) affect the microstructure and the properties of the weld area significantly. In depth comprehension of th e changed microstructure-property-relations should enable the evaluation and improvement of the application of new welding processes on ultra-high strength steel constructions with yield strength of 960 MPa.