Abstract: A method of forming a weld between workpieces (1, 2) over a joint region (3). The method comprises: exposing the joint region (3) to incident radiation (4) having a wavelength outside the visible range so as to cause melting of the surface of one or both workpieces at the joint region, and allowing the melted material to cool thereby welding the workpieces together. A radiation absorbing material is provided at the joint region (3) in one of the workpieces (1,2) or between the workpieces which has an absorption band matched to the wavelength of the incident radiation so as to absorb the incident radiation and generate heat for the melting process. The absorption band lies outside the visible range so that the material does not affect the appearance of the joint region (3) or the workpieces (1, 2) in visible light.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of an electrochemical cell component which comprises an ion exchange membrane joined to a frame member formed from a dissimilar polymeric material, which process comprises the steps of: i) coating the border of at least one face of an ion exchange membrane with a solution in a solvent which is miscible with water of the polymeric material from which the same frame member is made, or of a polymeric material which is compatible with the polymeric frame material; ii) optionally allowing the said coated membrane to stand and/or drying the said coated membrane; iii) placing the coated face of the ion exchange membrane from step (i) or step (ii) in contact with said frame member; and iv) joining the coated ion-exchange membrane to the said frame member.

Abstract: A method of friction welding which comprises forcing together two components to be welded together and providing a relative oscillatory movement between the two components to cause rubbing together of the two components to provide friction welding thereof, said oscillatory movement being caused by means, acting on at least one of the said components, which comprises a magnetostrictive transducer.