Abstract
Although the tungsten-arc process was first applied to the welding of magnesium it soon became apparent that it was equally suitable for joining aluminium and its alloys. With this method of welding, fluxes are not required and removal of this restriction with its attendant problem of ensuring adequate removal of all flux residues has virtually revolutionised the field of aluminium welding both with respect to design considerations and to the scale of operations. It is, however, relevant to mention that oxide removal and coalescence can occur only where there is access for the arc. Thus, in badly designed joints it is possible to melt an adequate volume of metal and still to leave intact an interfacial oxide film that may considerably reduce joint strength.
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