Abstract: Disclosed is a method of casting a shape. A laser or electron gun is directed at a fusible powder in a fluidized bed. The beam melts the powder and the melted powder fuses and solidifies on a surface to form the shape. Also disclosed is apparatus for casting a shape. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed containing a fluidized powder, a surface within the bed on which the shape is cast, an electron beam or laser directed at the surface, which has an energy sufficient to fuse the powder, means for controlling the level of the powder in the fluidized bed relative to the surface, and means for controlling the horizontal position of the surface relative to the beam.

Abstract: A substantially homogeneous metal matrix composite conduction weld between first and second metal matrix composite components is formed by placing the components into abutting position, with a major portion thereof spaced from each other, and directing a laser beam through the spacing onto the intersection and oscillating the beam across the intersection to form a shallow pool of metal matrix composite while feeding a metal matrix composite filler wire into the pool. The laser beam and filler wire are moved along the intersection such that solidification of the molten pool containing the filler wire metal matrix composite is effected, to form the weld line, without separation of the metal matrix composite into separate phases. The filler wire may be preheated and pressure may be applied, either to one or both components in a direction transverse the plane of the intersection or to the weld line in the direction of the plane of the intersection.

Abstract: A narrow groove arc welding process includes angular oscillation of a non-consumable electrode having a tip which is radially displaced with respect to the central axis of the electrode. This provides for improved arc sweep and can be combined with prior art lateral and pivotal electrode oscillation techniques. A non-consumable electrode for use in this process is provided with a radially displaced tip. The electrode can be easily replaced by detaching it from a permanent rod electrode.

Abstract: A narrow groove welding torch having an inexpensive rugged easily replaceable ceramic tip having a rectangular cross section with blanketing ducts disposed therein and springs which fit over hooks to hold the tip in place on the welding torch.

Abstract: A method of welding utilizing consumable and non-consumable electrodes blanketed with inert gas to weld with a minimal amount or no preheating.

Abstract: An improved wire, rod, stick, and the like to be stored, packaged, transported, and fed into welding apparatus is manufactured so that the ultimate alloying stage is performed when used as filler material, or consumable electrode during welding operation. The wire, rod, stick, according to the invention, which may be with or without fluxing agent, is obtained by selecting constituents in relation to a desired alloy system, mixing the selected constituents, and forming a wire, rod or stick cold working, or by extrusion, the alloy system being obtained at the ultimate welding step with the intermediary wire, rod or stick.

Abstract: The formation of voids through interdiffusion in bimetallic welded structures exposed to high operating temperatures is inhibited by utilizing an alloy of the parent materials in the junction of the parent materials or by preannealing the junction at an ultrahigh temperature. These methods are also used to reduce the concentration gradient of a hardening agent.