Electric Current Pulse Welding of Titanium with 18-10 Stainless Steel

Abstract

The purpose of the work was to determine the capabilities of the pulse effect of electric current and pressure to produce welded joints of various component parts of different thickness from 18-10 stainless steel and titanium. Application of electric current pulses on the surfaces of contacting metallic conductors leads to considerable changes in the surface structure. Depending on the initial state of the surfaces and parameters of the pulse effect this can result in melting without formation of joints, formation of a strong welded joint with characteristics no worse than those of welded metals, and in destruction of the contact zone. A combination of a short electric pulse with simultaneous application of mechanical pressure in the weld zone causes high-speed deformation of the contact zone. The process of joint formation itself does not cause any appreciable diffusion during welding. The greatest energy emission and the maximal heating occur on the contacting surfaces being welded with the passage of an electric current pulse through the welding zone. Simultaneously with intensive heating, and due to applied pressure, high-speed deformation of materials takes place and a strong welded joint is formed. Optimal parameters for the welding of titanium and 18-10 stainless steel have been determined on the basis of the tests conducted. Investigations into the welding of titanium and 18-10 stainless steel have shown that application of a short electric current pulse and pressure produces stronger welded joints composed of both similar and different metals of considerably different thickness.