Joining of Metals Using Microwave Energy

Abstract

Welding is a joining process in which metals are joined to form a permanent joint. This is done by melting the edges of the substrate to form weld pool which becomes a strong joint after cooling. Research reveals that the processing of microwave energy in materials is not only a green manufacturing process but also a more versatile, rapid, and cleaner process in relation to low cost and has a huge impact on production. Microwave welding is a form of welding using electromagnetic energy, similar to laser, radio frequency, IR, and induction, using radiation energy having a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Facileness of processing and hazards related to the environment are the issues related to conventional welding that need to be addressed, so this type of welding evolved. Microwave materials processing leads to high energy consumption heating method generally used in industries. In microwave processing, electromagnetic waves energy is directly transferred to the material through the interaction of molecules that lead to volumetric heating. Heat is induced internally within the material, instead of emerging from the external sources, and transfer in an outward direction. Microwave having unique characteristics of volumetric heating, selective heating, lower energy consumptions, and lower processing time due to which its applications are increasing rapidly.