Abstract: A ground electrode is provided having a ground electrode body, the ground electrode body having an anchored end and a non-anchored end opposite the anchored end. The ground electrode includes a plateau extending from a surface of the ground electrode body adjacent the non-anchored end. In illustrative embodiments, the plateau is formed by removing a portion of the ground electrode body near the non-anchored end. The plateau is configured to be exposed around its periphery. A noble metal tip is fixably attached to the plateau.

Abstract: A ground electrode is provided having a ground electrode body, the ground electrode body having an anchored end and a non-anchored end opposite the anchored end. The ground electrode includes a plateau extending from a surface of the ground electrode body adjacent the non-anchored end. In illustrative embodiments, the plateau is formed by removing a portion of the ground electrode body near the non-anchored end. The plateau is configured to be exposed around its periphery. A noble metal tip is fixably attached to the plateau.

Abstract: An improved method of weldbonding utilizing inclusion bodies, placed directly between materials to be bonded or included in a weldbonding adhesive. The inclusion bodies maintain a gap between the materials to be welded which provides a gas releasing egress route to disperse the gas and gaseous byproducts produced during welding. This egress route substantially prevents the gases and gaseous byproducts from being expelled through the weld pool and the resultant degradation of the quality of the weld pool, particularly with coated materials, partial penetration welds, and such materials as 6000 series aluminum. The method further comprises an optional step of including a crack-reducing additive, applied either directly to the materials to be welded or included in the adhesive. A laser weldbonding embodiment may use a plurality of phased heat cycles to reduce weld imperfections, and enhance the effects of the adhesive and optional crack-reducing additive.

Abstract: An improved method of weldbonding utilizing inclusion bodies, placed directly between materials to be bonded or included in a weldbonding adhesive. The inclusion bodies maintain a gap between the materials to be welded which provides a gas releasing egress route to disperse the gas and gaseous byproducts produced during welding. This egress route substantially prevents the gases and gaseous byproducts from being expelled through the weld pool and the resultant degradation of the quality of the weld pool, particularly with coated materials, partial penetration welds, and such materials as 6000 series aluminum. The method further comprises an optional step of including a crack-reducing additive, applied either directly to the materials to be welded or included in the adhesive. A laser weldbonding embodiment may use a plurality of phased heat cycles to reduce weld imperfections, and enhance the effects of the adhesive and optional crack-reducing additive.