TABLE OF CONTENTS The two processes are often presented in opposition. This does not appear realistic, each process having specific advantages which will make it better adapted to a particular industrial application.
Electron beam welding reached its zenith in the 1970s. The application fields were the nuclear, aeronautical and automotive industries. Its principal handicap is the vacuum enclosure. However, a renewed interest is currently noted with the development of new non-vacuum welding machines dedicated to automotive applications (see Figure 2.41).
It should however be noted that, for several years, the appearance of sufficiently powerful laser sources has led, for certain applications, to the replacement of EB welding by laser welding because of an increased productivity related to the absence of pumping. The main instigator of developments in laser welding processes has been the automotive industry. After the welding of mechanical components (gear box pinions), the welding of thin sheet was developed. Steelmakers started by offering tailored welded blanks and today manufacturers invest in the spot welding of bodyshells on a continuous production line.
Electron beam welding machines are no longer the focus of significant developments, whereas laser systems are evolving rapidly. Laser CO 2 sources are more compact, and the beams are of higher quality. A significant effort is being made to reduce consumables. The most significant developments relate to YAG laser sources and...
