Application of microwave in welding of metallic materials – A review

Abstract

Abstract The application of microwave in the processing of metallic material is relatively a new development in this area. The microwave energy is applied in various fields of engineering for processing of metallic materials in the form of cladding, sintering, casting and welding etc. Microwave welding is an advanced method of joining of materials, but still the investigators have utilized this technique for the joining of limited materials only. The inherent advantages associated with the microwave processed products are due to its hybrid heating phenomenon, which consumes lesser energy and time. The MHH results in uniform heating of the material. The uniform heating reduces the thermal gradient inside the weldment; which caused the reduced thermal stresses in the joint. The present paper outlines the basic characteristics and principles of microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique used for joining of metallic materials. In addition to this, the paper reveals discussions about joining of different types of materials using MHH technique, their interfacing layer characteristics, exposure time, metallurgical and mechanical properties etc.