Electron Beam Weldments for Large Complex Shapes

An electron beam welding process, evolved from its primary use in research and development laboratories to a production method that now gives design and manufacturing engineers a proven means of fabricating large complex structural members of the type used in the aircraft and aerospace industries, is the subject of this paper. Using this method of fabrication, many large complex forgings can be replaced with simpler and less expensive fabricated sections. In a number of applications, these forgings can now be replaced by two or more smaller simpler forgings; smaller forging used in conjunction with standard rolled sections; or assemblies made completely of rolled sections. Large assemblies which are beyond the capability of most forging presses can also be fabricated by the electron beam welding process.