Flash Welding

   The flash welding process is an application of electric resistance welding (ERW) where the joint is heated above its melting point by its resistance to the flow of the electric current.  

   Flash welding uses equipment comprising clamps so that the work piece may be gripped and forced together. The work itself completes the single turn secondary of a heavy duty AC transformer. A voltage is applied at the clamps and the parts are brought into contact. When current passes through the initial points of contact these are fused creating short-lived arcs and generating heat at the interface. Much of the molten metal at the interface is expelled as ‘flash’ and the moving platen is advanced to keep a constant gap until a suitable temperature has been reached at the interface. The parts are then forged together.