Metal Joining

Metal Joining is a crucial process in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas. Since complex products cannot be created as one single entity, individual components are produced independently and later combined during assembly.

Metal joining is a procedure that utilizes heat just beneath the melting point of metal to melt or fuse it. This process, known as fusion welding, may be employed with arc welding and laser welding techniques. Alternatively, solid-state welding such as FSW (Friction Stir Welding) can join metal components without ever reaching its melting point. As an added benefit, this method allows for more precise manipulation of joined elements at much lower temperatures than traditional fusion methods.

Fusion welding is the most common joining process used in metal fabrication. This type of welding applies a high-temperature electric arc between an electrode and the surface of the material to be joined. The combination of heat, current and pressure melts or fuses the edges together forming a metallurgical bond between them.

MIG welding is a type of fusion welding that utilises a consumable wire electrode and an inert gas to shield the weld pool from oxidation. This process allows for high-speed deposition rates, making it popular in automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing industries.

TIG welding is another type of fusion welding that employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas, such as argon or helium, to protect the weld pool. This process is great for joining thin material sections and provides superior control over the finished product.

Riveting is a solid-state joining process where two or more components are permanently joined together by placing rivets through pre-drilled holes in the material. This process is commonly used in sheet metal fabrication to fasten components together while maintaining strength and alignment.

Bolting is a process where two components are joined together by the use of bolts or screws. This Solid-state joining method provides great control over the finished product and allows for easy disassembly when needed. It’s also commonly used in construction, automotive and other assembly applications.

Brazing is a process where two components are joined together by using a filler material, such as brass or bronze, to form an intermetallic bond. This method allows for precise control over the finished product and provides good strength and durability. It’s commonly used in electronics, jewellery and other small-scale production processes.

Soldering is a process where two components are joined together by using a low melting point filler material, such as tin or lead. This method provides good electrical connections and allows for easy repairs when needed. It’s commonly used in the manufacturing of electronics and appliances due to its good conductivity.