Aviation welding is booming and is experiencing exciting developments. This has been made possible by advancements in technology, application, and the development of new welding methods. Aviation welding is now widely used in basic aircraft maintenance.
Previously, people used to replace aviation parts encountering a problem to get a smooth flight. This used to be quite expensive for aircraft owners, and only the rich could afford it.
However, in today's world, new methods are being introduced in the aviation industry to weld and join the old parts after repairing them. Several methods have been developed, which made aircraft repair a lot easier and less expensive.
Welds are replacing rivets in the aviation industry, as they provide better strength and structural integrity. However, choosing the right welding process from several available options is a tedious process. You need to have an experienced aviation welder by your side who can guide you throughout the process and suggest which one will be the best for your situation.
This blog post mentions some of the common welding processes used in the aviation industry and how you can choose from them according to your requirements.
Friction Welding (FRW)
Mechanical deformation is used in this process to join two metals. The union can be as strong as the base material. This method is used on various materials, including steel, aluminum, or even wood. It doesn't use filler metals, flux, or shielding gas.
Where Is It Used?
Friction welding is more helpful in such areas where parts have simpler cross-sections such as circular. It is also used in areas to bond wood without adhesives or nails. So, you can use it in the aircraft engine and its parts.
Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
This one is also performed by mechanical deformation. In this case, a shouldered tool is slowly plunged into the joint line between two pieces of plate butted together.
Where Is It Used?
This process is used for welding the aluminum alloys of series 2xxx and 7xxx. In some areas, it can also replace Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) and Electron Beam Welding (EBW).
Laser Welding
This process provides a concentrated and narrow laser beam to weld two pieces together. It gives higher accuracy and minimal distortions. This process can give you deep welds and high joining rates.
Where Is It Used?
This process is ideal for welding engine components made of heat-resistant alloys. It has a high welding speed, making it ideal for high volume applications, such as within the automotive industry.
Electron Beam Welding (EBW)
This method has to be performed in a vacuum. It uses a high beam of electrons to join materials. The kinetic energy of electrons is converted into heat upon contact with the materials, which melts the material. A vacuum is necessary to prevent the beam from dissipating.
Where Is It Used?
This method is ideal for materials like titanium alloys, as they can't be welded in an open atmosphere. Titanium alloys give better strength and are lightweight, making them ideal for military aircraft use. This method is used to join thick sections and thus is used in many industries, from aerospace to nuclear power and automotive to rail.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
This welding process is used worldwide due to its low cost. However, the large size of the welding source may lead to poor mechanical properties. It is a type of arc welding.
Where Is It Used?
Initially GMAW was the main welding process for fuel and oxidizer tanks for the Saturn V rocket. Now, this method is widely used in the automotive industry.
Also Read: Common Welding Processes
Get Professional Aviation Welding Services By Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is an aviation welding company in Edmonton, offering aircraft welding, parts, and many other services. Each team member has over 20 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing and welding. We have four full-time quality personnel on staff that monitor all our products and repairs with a Transport Canada approved quality control program. We also offer a range of products for aircraft, such as exhaust systems, mounts, float kits, and more. For more information, contact us today or visit our website.
