Laser Beam Welding technique?

[SmithsJohn2]

I read a magnazine talking about the new A-380 airbus. They said that laser beam welding technique is used to avoid the need for rivets in A-380. Anyone know this technique? It is a new technology? How long have it been here? What's the difference compared with the traditional welding? Thanks for sharing.

 

[AlanD]

It's gets a reasonable right up in my 1977 edition of the Sandvik Welding Handbook. In short, this new technology has been around for some time. It's applications are / were for precision welding situations, paarticularly in areas like electronics. At the time they thought it could take over from some applications which were being done by electron beam welding, as there is no requirement for a vacuum.

 

[Goahead]

It seems to me that Friction Stir Welding, being a non fusion process, has a much higher potential of being used for aerospace manufacturing than Laser Beam Welding.
See a short notice on AM&P (Advanced Materials and Processes of ASM International) at page 42 in the May 2005 issue.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[SmithsJohn2]

Thx all for ideas.

Hi Goahead, where can I find the page that you mentioned? Is it in

http://www.welding-advisers.com??

Thanks

 

[Goahead]

If you have access to a technical library you should have no problem in finding the said journal. Also TWI (The Welding Institute - UK) is quite involved in the process.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/