Advances in Aluminum Welding Technologies

There is an increased rate of aluminum alloys expected in coming years considering the expansion of the transportation markets, along with various other industries relying on aluminum for light-weighting of structures.  Light-weighting of electric vehicles, high speed trains, and marine vessels will continue to drive the need for aluminum joining in the coming years. New applications will also demand higher strength base materials which demand new welding filler materials and joining technologies. This presentation will outline some of the advances in these areas, including new challenges that these advances may introduce to the market. The latest filler materials will be reviewed which may help increase weldability, along with arc and laser welding technologies that offer higher productivity in high volume production applications, additive manufacturing, and reducing defect rates in conventional arc welding. Recommendations for updates to relevant welding standards are also proposed which can help guide engineers and practitioners to better exploit aluminum in production.