Advanced Welding Processes

ATC has expertise in a range of advanced metal welding methods using non-traditional methods. They are:

Deep penetration laser conduction welding, hybrid welding using a mix of laser and arc, friction stir welding of aluminium (can also be laser assisted for steel and titanium) and control of distortion and residual stress during welding.

This is a new process that we have developed and has some significant benefits for a variety of welding applications.

• Hybrid Welding

  This process uses both a laser and arc source to carry out the welding.

• Friction Stir Welding (FSW)

  This work has involved the development of tools and process parameters for a large number of aluminium alloys (including dissimilar combinations).

• Laser Assisted Friction Stir Welding of Steel and Titanium

  The proposed method is to preheat the material using the low cost diode laser source. This should lead to higher welding speeds and much reduced toll breakages.

The ATC has also developed two processes for control of residual stress and distortion in welding. Both processes rely on adding stresses during welding that are opposite to those produced by the welding process. The result is to keep the peak stresses below the limit of plastic deformation.

• Corrosion Prevention in Welded Structures

  A technique for the prevention of corrosion in welded structures has been developed. The technique uses a laser to treat the areas that have been affected by the welding process.

• Filler Wire and Heat Treatment Development

  New filler wires have been developed for 2000 and 7000 series aluminium alloys. These filler wires are optimised for different alloys and welding processes and lead to dramatic improvements in weld quality.