Inert-gas welding of non-ferrous metals

Abstract

Full utilisation of the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of new and existing materials of construction depends to a very large extent on the availability of suitable methods of joining. Fusion welding has long been recognised as the most important method of primary construction, but it has not always been possible to take full advantage of this for nonferrous metals because of severe limitations with available processes. Consequently, the discovery of the inert-gas shielded arc processes marked a very significant advance in welding technology. For the first time, a means was provided whereby satisfactory joints could be produced in many difficult-to-weld non-ferrous metals without the need for fluxes to remove tenacious and refractory surface oxide films. The historical and practical importance of this advantage cannot be over-emphasised. Recognition by designers and engineers of the superiority of these processes over some of the more traditional methods has led to the widespread adoption of fusion welding as a reliable and convenient method of fabrication, applicable to a very wide range of constructional materials. Indeed, it can justly be asserted that, without these processes, many of the engineering achievements of recent years, that are often taken as commonplace, would not have been possible.