A review on Electron Beam Welding process

Abstract

Electron Beam Welding is an unconventional manufacturing technique widely used in the Aerospace and Defense industries mainly due to the Narrow Fusion Zone (FZ) generated as less metal is melted which leads to less distortion and less amount of heat, as opposed to the other welding processes such as TIG welding and Arc welding. As a result, the solidification of the Weld Joint is in several orders much higher. The Electron Beam Welding process is complex in nature and is controlled by large number of parameters. Parameters such as Accelerating Voltage (Ua), Beam Current (If), Depth of Penetration (H), Beam Focal Diameter (df0) and Welding Speed (v) are part of the Electron Beam Parameters, while Thermo-physical and Chemical properties of the Material and Workpiece Thickness are part of the Parameters influencing Welding Features. This paper also reviews various optimization methods applied by researchers and finally outlines the recommendations and future trends in Electron Beam Welding.