Welding originally referred to forge welding. Heating metal in a furnace and hammering on it until the pieces merged. Now, the term most often refers to arc welding and additional clarification is needed if you’re talking about traditional forge welding or welding using a gas such as oxyacetylene. Advancements in…
Nuclear power has proven itself to be an efficient large-scale source of energy for decades. While both fission and fusion reactions can produce energy, the practicality of building the reactors depends on the process and reaction containment procedure. Fission power can be controlled, and despite its disadvantages, such as radiation,…
Applying manual welding skills to critical weld projects requires years of technical training and experience. And the process can still result in slow speeds, reduced productivity, and even worker injury. Also, any weld defects—like those that result from welder fatigue—must be addressed. Compared with the effort manual welding requires, orbital…
The term “weld pool” designates the molten puddle of metal liquified by the welding arc. It can be formed from the surface metal of the workpiece, filler metal introduced to the arc, or a combination of the two. In each case, the weld pool is subject to dynamics that are…
Fusion welding is any welding technique that heats two pieces of material to their melting point and joins them together while molten. This term can be a subject of confusion as engineers may use it as a blanket term to refer to all types of arc welding (which is technically…
All aircraft, small and large, require a flow system to transport the fluid to different systems that require it. This is done by fluid lines, which are used in transporting combustion fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids, oxygen, coolant, and other fluids critical to the proper functioning of the aircraft. This makes…
The history of TIG welding in aerospace begins with Russell Meredith of Northrop Aircraft Corporation developing the process in the 1940s to facilitate aluminum and magnesium alloy welding. Since then, TIG welding has expanded to almost every manufacturing industry. The welding process has evolved to incorporate advanced technologies that make…
Without a doubt, one of humanity’s most outstanding achievements occurred in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The moon landing by Apollo 11 was the culmination of nearly a decade of overachievement by NASA encouraged by the space race that…
The properties of tungsten change when it is alloyed with thorium. For instance, a thoriated tungsten electrode has a greater current carrying capacity than pure tungsten. This allows it to carry more heat and reduces the potential for tungsten inclusions. It also makes a weld arc easier to start and…