DEVELOPMENT OF THE JOINING PROCESSES IN A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

There is a continuous development of the most common welding processes like MMA, MIG/MAG, PAW and SAW. At the same time there is a conversion from stick electrodes to solid and cored wires with an increased productivity as a result. In parallel with these changes new processes are introduced and implemented. The number of Friction Stir Welding installations is starting to grow fast Hybrid laser welding has probably made a technical break through. The Magnetic Pulse Welding process is taking off. The different mechanical joining methods; clinching and self-piercing riveting; must not be forgotten. Structural adhesive is another method to consider.