Welding can be traced back to the Bronze Age, but it was not until the 19th century that welding as we know it today was invented. Some of the first successful commercially manufactured aircraft were constructed from welded steel tube frames.
As the technology and manufacturing processes evolved in the aircraft and aerospace industry, lighter metals, such as aluminum, magnesium, and titanium, were used in their construction. New processes and methods of welding these metals were developed. This site provides some of the basic information needed to understand and initiate the various welding methods and processes.
Traditionally, welding is defined as a process that joins metal by melting or hammering the work pieces until they are united together. With the right equipment and instruction, almost anyone with some basic mechanical skill, dexterity, and practice can learn to weld.
There are three general types of welding: gas, electric arc, and electric resistance. Each type of welding has several variations, some of which are used in the construction of aircraft. Additionally, there are some new welding processes that have been developed in recent years that are highlighted for the purpose of information.
Below posts addresses the welding equipment, methods, and various techniques used during the repair of aircraft and fabrication of component parts, including the processes of brazing and soldering of various metals.
- Types of Welding Used in Aircraft
- Gas Welding and Cutting Equipment
- Gas Welding Procedures and Techniques
- Oxy-Acetylene Welding of Ferrous Metals and Nonferrous Metals
- Brazing and Soldering
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG Welding)
- Arc Welding Procedures, Techniques, and Welding Safety Equipment
- Expansion and Contraction of Metals
- Welded Joints Using Oxy-Acetylene Torch
- Repair of Steel Tubing Aircraft Structure by Welding