Preview
Preview
By
Niloufer Sarah
Master of Science
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In
Mankato, Minnesota
(July 2024)
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July 2024
Comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume-high mix manufacturing
Niloufer Sarah
This Thesis has been examined and approved by the following members of the student’s
committee.
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__________________________
Advisor
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Committee Member
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________________________________
Committee Member
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Table of Contents
Welding ...................................................................................................................................................2
Types of Welding: ...............................................................................................................................2
Fusion Welding: ..............................................................................................................................2
Applications of Fusion Welding: ..................................................................................................16
Other Unique forms of welding. .................................................................................................18
Friction Welding ...........................................................................................................................19
Brazing/Soldering Welding (Messler, 1999): ...............................................................................20
Welding Automation:.......................................................................................................................21
Robotic Welding: ...........................................................................................................................22
Robots for welding: .......................................................................................................................25
Co-bots – Collaborative Robots in Welding: ................................................................................27
Time and motion study: ......................................................................................................................29
History of time study: ....................................................................................................................29
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Types of Time and Motion study methodologies: .....................................................................31
Methods - Time Measurement (MTM-1): .................................................................................35
MOST (Maynard Operation Sequence Technique):.................................................................41
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Part Analysis: ...............................................................................................................................47
Cost Analysis: ...............................................................................................................................60
Conclusion: ...........................................................................................................................................63
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Appendix: ..............................................................................................................................................78
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Acknowledgments
I extend my deepest gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Kuldeep Agarwal, for his invaluable
guidance and support. My thanks also go to Dr. Shaheen Ahmed, Dr. Pawan Bhandari and
Professor John Ruprecht for their insights and assistance. A special thank you to Truck
Bodies and Equipment International, and their fabrication team, for their crucial contributions
and collaboration.
I appreciate the collective wisdom and encouragement from my peers and the Department of
Manufacturing Engineering Technology faculty.
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Disclaimer
This thesis paper represents the collaborative efforts of five students, Aditya Suggula,
Mayank Srinivasa Murthy, Niloufer Sarah, Poorna Pragna Mysore and Sai Sasank
Pothamsetti, each investigating different segments of the subject matter. While the theoretical
framework and foundational concepts may appear identical, underscoring our unified
approach and understanding, specific portions of our work, notably the MTM1 analysis and
MOST analysis, were undertaken as joint efforts. These sections were collaboratively
examination. Beyond these shared analyses, the calculations and subsequent analyses within
our individual papers are distinct, reflecting the unique contributions and insights of each
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student. This dual approach—combining collaborative and individual efforts—ensures a
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cohesive theoretical foundation while embracing diversity in analytical perspectives and
NILOUFER SARAH
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MANKATO, MINNESOTA
[July 2024]
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ABSTRACT
A comparative study of robotic and manual welding in a low volume high mix manufacturing
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environment focusing on a truck body part named the Cross head to see if there is a benefit of
incorporating robotic welding into the production line. By utilizing predetermined time studies such
as Methods Time Measurement 1(MTM-1) and Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) in
conjunction with actual welding time and motion study to see which method of time study can be used
to extrapolate the times of production for higher number of parts. MTM-1 and MOST were used for a
detailed time and motion analysis which were then used to evaluate the efficiency and cost
implications and feasibility of incorporating a co-bot welder to execute the tasks of an experienced
human welder. Necessity to do the cost analysis and comparison of the co-bot is understanding of the
additional cost related to robotic welding such as the fixture costs which include the design cost and
fabrication cost, the programming costs, and the common welding costs. The MTM-1, MOST and
actual welding time study was performed, and it was found that MTM-1 is closer to actual in the case
of Manual welding, and MOST is closer to the actual time in case of Robotic welding. With the
average welding process times used for the cost analysis, the robotic welding breaks even in less than
5 days with the daily working hours being 6. If the robotic welding process is optimized by 5%, the
break-even will be in less than 2 days, and if it is optimized by 10%, the break-even will be less than a
day.
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stamping, and machining across diverse industries, including companies like TBEI, which
specializes in Truck Bodies and Equipment. This equipment includes heavy lifting hooks,
dumper buckets, and lifting rings designed to move hefty loads. Within the manufacturing
process, particularly during welding, a pivotal question arises regarding the potential for
automation or robotization on the shop floor. While many shop floor activities, such as
inventory control and CNC machining, are commonly automated, the welding process,
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especially manual arc welding for design-critical equipment in smaller industries, remains
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largely untouched by automation or robotics, unlike the prevalent use of spot-welding
human welders. The ultimate goal is to automate the manual arc welding process under low
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volume, high mix conditions using the Cross Head weld procedure as a subject for the study
and analysis.
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Welding
Welding is a process of joining materials, and it can be broadly categorized into three
groups: fusion welding, pressure welding, and brazing/soldering. Each group consists of
various welding methods, chosen based on factors like the materials being joined and the
Types of Welding:
1. Fusion Welding:
Fusion welding involves melting the base materials or combining them with a
welding rod. This category includes methods like arc welding, electron beam, gas,
and laser welding. These methods use different energy sources, such as electrical,
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chemical, or light, to create the necessary heat for melting and joining.
2. Brazing/Soldering:
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In brazing/soldering, a filler material (brazing paste) is applied to the joining
sections. This category includes induction heating brazing, torch brazing (flame
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brazing), light beam, and laser brazing. The energy sources for these methods can
Fusion Welding:
Fusion welding, a term frequently used but not universally understood, entails heating
two or more objects and joining them without external pressure. (Giachino, (1973).)
Depending on the job requirements, filler materials may be incorporated during fusion
welding. This distinguishes fusion welding from non-fusion welding, which utilizes lower
heat levels, ensuring the base metal does not melt. Examples of non-fusion welding include
Welding Society highlights the substantial impact of welding, which contributes to 50% of
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the gross domestic product in the United States. Welding involves utilizing heat to attach two
or more similar or non-identical items, with the use of a filler optional based on the nature of
the work.
connect two edges of either the same or different materials. The heated portions melt and,
upon cooling, fuse. In cases of a significant gap between the two pieces, filler material may
be employed. The heating process introduces a heat-affected zone within the materials,
Fusion welding occurs when the molten components of the base material mix with the
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molten filler. This process employs heat to produce an exterior junction at the weld point or
melt the material in the joining zone. The FC-120 Gasless Flux Cored Wire Inverter Welding
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Machine is recognized as a top tool for executing various forms of fusion welding.
Fusion welding is Categorized based on the heat source. Common fusion welding
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styles include ACR welding and various forms of fusion arc welding (Shielded Metal Arc
Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas Welding, Metal Gas Arc Welding, Submerged Arc Welding,
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Plasma Arc Welding, and Flux Cored Arc Welding). Gas welding, high-energy welding
(Electron Beam Welding and Laser Welding), resistance welding (for seams and spot
resistance welding), and friction welding (rotary, spot, linear, and stir friction welding) are
also prevalent.
Arc Welding.
• Overview: Arc welding stands out as the most popular and widely used type of
fusion welding. It relies on an electric arc to join two or more objects of the same
or similar materials.
• Process: The electric arc generated in arc welding can reach temperatures of up to
6,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it capable of melting even the toughest metals.
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This process involves creating a molten pool at the welding point, allowing the
Laser Welding.
• Laser welding is a technique that employs a lens to focus light with high
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• By manipulating the laser beam output, penetration welding with a narrow width
compared to the depth becomes feasible. Additionally, brazing and soldering can
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be achieved by melting and joining an alloy with a lower melting point than the
base material.
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• Modulating the intensity and spot size of the laser beam emitted by a laser
processing machine facilitates the welding and engraving of letters and patterns on
• In laser welding, a significantly stronger laser beam than those used in other
processes is the heat source for melting and joining base materials. Employing a
high-power output laser necessitates precise control over the beam convergence
properties, including wavelength and energy density, and laser beam qualities,
such as intensity and beam mode. Despite these requirements, laser welding
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Induction Welding.
that does not involve direct contact between an object's surface and the heat
source.
field, which, in turn, induces heat in the metal. The magnetic field rapidly heats
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Advantages: Induction welding offers rapid heating and minimal distortion,
making it suitable for specific applications with critical precision and efficiency.
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Oxyfuel Welding.
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utilizes a flame to heat and join surfaces, with oxygen as the primary fuel source.
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• Process: The fundamental principle is the reliance on oxygen to fuel the fire,
creating a hot flame exceeding 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat is
applied to the surfaces, allowing them to reach the molten state and fuse.
required.
• Overview: Solid reactant welding is a fusion welding type that leverages chemical
• Process: Certain compounds can generate heat when mixed. Solid reactant
welding utilizes this principle, initiating chemical reactions that produce the
joining materials.
TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding). TIG welding, also known as Gas
Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), falls under the non-consumable electrode category. TIG
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(Tungsten Inert Gas) welding employs an inert gas in the welding process. This particular arc
welding method is characterized by its spark-free nature and is suitable for welding various
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metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, and iron. Non-consumable tungsten is the
discharge electrode, while an inert gas such as argon or helium acts as the shielding gas. The
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process initiates an arc within the inert gas, utilizing the generated arc heat to melt and weld
the base material. Despite the use of filler material, instances of spatter are minimal due to the
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inert gas's comprehensive coverage of the weld area, ensuring a stable arc.
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Figure 1
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A semi-automatic TIG welding machine comprises essential components, including
the welding power supply, welding torch, and a gas cylinder with a gas flow controller.
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Additional instruments may be incorporated, especially when using a water-cooled torch or
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The choice of electric current polarity (positive or negative) depends on the base
material, necessitating a controller in the welding power supply to select the appropriate
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The welding process in TIG welding involves various classifications based on factors
such as AC or DC power usage, the application of pulse or non-pulse current, and whether a
Additionally, the option of pulse or non-pulse current is available. Pulse TIG welding, for
instance, involves the alternating change of welding current at a constant frequency between
pulse current and base current. This results in periodic melting of the base material during the
pulse current and subsequent cooling during the base current, creating weld spots resembling
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a string of beads. Furthermore, TIG welding can be categorized into two types based on a
filler wire: cold and hot. Cold wire welding utilizes a standard filler wire, while hot wire
welding preheats the wire by passing a current through it. Hotwire welding offers the
advantage of increasing the deposition rate per unit time, allowing for quicker completion of
the welding process. This addresses the time-consuming aspect of TIG welding, where high-
quality welds are achieved but may take longer due to the gradual melting of the required
filler material.
Table 1
500 Hz)
No -
No
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• Precision Welding: TIG welding allows for precise and intricate welds, making it
• Clean Welds: Using inert gas prevents atmospheric contamination, producing clean
• Versatility: TIG welding applies to various materials, including exotic metals and thin
sheets.
Plasma Welding.
• Plasma welding is another non-consumable electrode type that shares similarities
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with TIG welding but utilizes a more focused plasma arc. Characteristics of
• Enhanced Welding Speed: Plasma welding is known for its increased welding
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• Narrower Heat-Affected Zone: The concentrated heat minimizes the size of the
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Shielded Metal Arc Welding, commonly
known as stick welding, is a consumable electrode type where a coated electrode is used.
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) illustrates consumable (fusible) electrode-type arc
welding. It employs a metal rod (known as a shielded metal arc welding rod) crafted from the
same material as the base material, serving as the electrode. The arc between the electrode's
core wire and the base material functions as the heat source.
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The resulting molten metal is enveloped by the gas and glass-like slag produced from
the shield of the core wire. This process boasts the advantage of being less susceptible to
interference from wind or other external disturbances at the worksite due to the shielding
provided by the gas and slag. Additionally, a shielding tube forms at the tip of the welding
rod. SMAW has a rich history. It is often performed manually and earned the moniker manual
arc welding. While its prevalence has diminished with the proliferation of automatic or semi-
automatic MAG welding machines utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2), SMAW continues to find
applications owing to its merits of facilitating quick and straightforward welding indoors and
Figure 2
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Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) (Messler, 1999)
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configurations.
• Portability: It is suitable for outdoor and remote applications, offering portability and ease
of use.
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MAG Welding (Metal Active Gas Welding). Metal Active Gas Welding, or MAG
welding, is a consumable electrode type that employs a continuously fed wire and a shielding
gas with active components. MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding, or CO2 arc welding or CO2
welding, is a form of arc welding that employs an active gas, typically carbon dioxide (CO2)
or a gas mixture of argon and CO2. Primarily utilized for automatic or semi-automatic
welding of ferrous metals, MAG welding is unsuitable for nonferrous metals like aluminum
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In automatic or semi-automatic MAG welding, a coiled welding wire is an electrode,
replacing the welding rod used in manual shielded metal arc welding. The coiled wire is
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connected to the wire feed unit and automatically directed to the torch tip by a feed roller
driven by an electric motor. Upon passing through the contact tip, the wire is energized.
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The welding process involves striking an arc between the wire and the base material.
This simultaneous melting of the wire and base material creates a weld. Throughout this
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process, shielding gas is introduced through a nozzle into the weld area and its surroundings,
forming a protective shield around the arc and weld pool, preventing exposure to the
atmosphere. CO2 gas, a gas mix of argon and CO2, or a mix of argon with a small percentage
of oxygen can be used as the shielding gas. Compared to shielded metal arc welding, MAG
welding boasts a faster deposition rate, where the electrode transforms into weld metal. This
results in increased work efficiency, which is attributed to deep penetration into the base
material. Other notable advantages include high-quality weld metal and the ability to achieve
• Welding torch
• Gas cylinder
The feed unit must feed the wire at a constant speed. Consequently, a constant-voltage
characteristic power supply is generally used for the welding power supply. The wire feed
Figure 3
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• High Productivity: MAG welding offers high deposition rates, making it suitable for rapid
welding applications.
welding processes.
MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas Welding). MIG welding, or Gas Metal Arc Welding
(GMAW), is similar to MAG welding but typically uses inert gases for shielding. MIG
(Metal Inert Gas) welding is another arc welding method. Similar to TIG welding, it utilizes
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an inert gas as a shielding gas. MIG welding belongs to the consumable electrode type,
involving a discharge electrode that melts during welding. (Understanding the Fusion
aluminum alloy workpieces, and the choice of shielding gas depends on the specific metal to
be welded. The electrode in MIG welding is a coiled welding wire, connected to the wire feed
unit, which automatically moves to the torch tip through a feed roller powered by an electric
motor. The wire is energized upon passing through the contact tip, initiating an arc between
the wire and the base material. Simultaneously melting the wire and base material, this
process forms the weld. Throughout the operation, shielding gas is delivered through a nozzle
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into the weld area and its surroundings to create a protective shield around the arc and weld
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pool, preventing exposure to the atmosphere.
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Figure 4
Table 2
welding
• Ease of Use: MIG welding is known for its user-friendly nature, making it suitable for
• Reduced Cleanup: MIG welding minimizes spatter and fumes, reducing the need for
Electro gas Arc Welding (EGW). Electro-gas Arc Welding is a consumable electrode
type that involves welding in a vertical position with a continuously fed consumable
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electrode and a gas shield. The Electro gas arc welding (EGW)technique was developed to
facilitate efficient vertical position welding of thick plates with stable penetration. The
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primary shielding gas employed in EGW is commonly CO2, although variations using argon
gas, gas mixes of argon and CO2, oxygen, or helium are also prevalent. Flux-cored wires,
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which generate slag to form a clean bead, are predominantly utilized for welding wire,
although solid wires find application in specific cases. The welding power supply is typically
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During the process, the weld pool is enclosed by the end of the base material, a copper
shoe, and a fire-resistant backing. Vertical position welding is executed upwards, preventing
the dripping of molten metal and enabling the welding of a thick plate in a single pass (one
current, high efficiency, and a relatively substantial margin for groove accuracy due to
EGW finds application in welding vertical butt joints of various products, including ship's
• Vertical Welding: EGW is particularly effective for vertical welding of thick plates,
• High Deposition Rates: The process allows for high deposition rates, improving
• Reduced Distortion: Electro-gas arc welding reduces distortion due to its vertical welding
orientation.
airplanes, bridges, ships, pressure tanks, and welded pipes. Its versatility allows the merging
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of various materials, regardless of thickness, owing to the substantial heat levels generated
• Metal Joining: Fusion welding involves intense heat to unite two or more metal pieces.
Unlike soldering, fusion welding melts the base metal and may require a filler material to
create a junction. As the molten components cool, they come together to produce a weld
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bead, resulting in a final product more durable than the starting material.
welding employs adhesives. The process involves washing and drying surfaces, applying
pressure and heat to the molten component, and finally cooling the molten components to
• Wood Materials Joining: Fusion welding for wood components requires heat production
through mechanical friction. This involves subjecting materials to high pressure, followed
by linear friction, generating heat to fuse two wooden components. The process is simple,
eliminating the need for nails or adhesive, and results in a more robust finished product
Pros:
• Use of Filler Material: Fusion welding allows the use of filler material when
• Minimal Edge Design and Preparation: Fusion welding does not necessarily
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• Durable Welded Joints: Fusion welding produces robust joints between parent
materials.
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• Suitable for Industrial Processes: Fusion welding's speed and simplicity make
Cons:
• Stress and Damage: Fusion welding may induce stress and damage on the
• Pressure Welding
• Friction welding
Electron Beam Welding. Electron beam (EB) welding relies on the emission of
electrons in a vacuum tube or Braun tube. This welding method is primarily executed in a
vacuum, known as high-vacuum welding. It stands out for its ability to minimize distortion
across various applications, accommodating thick to thin plates and intricate welding
requirements. In recent advancements, electron beam welding machines have been designed
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to operate effectively without a perfect vacuum (low-vacuum welding machines) or by
incorporating a moving electron gun (moving electron gun welding machines), broadening
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the scope of potential applications.
Applications for electron beam welding include ship's shell plates, bridges, storage
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tanks, aircraft parts, and electronic components. In the realm of electronic components, a
process known as electron beam sealing is employed to seal crystal oscillators that require
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joining in a vacuum. This involves vacuum brazing sealing, achieved by melting the filler
material between a metal lid and a ceramic package through heat conduction induced by the
processes. Unlike fusion welding, where heat is the primary agent, pressure welding requires
force to create a solid and durable bond between materials. This process is extensively used
• Cold Welding
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