At the MicroTec 2004 conference (Orlando, Florida, 13–15 October 2004), Richard R. Larsen of Flexial Corporation will present a paper “Microscopic Edge Welding of Stainless Steel and Titanium Bellows”. It will argue that many small, metallic components can be reliably assembled using proper techniques of microscopic welding. Edge welded metal bellows are fabricated from the strip and foil materials ranging down to 0.001 of an inch thick. Edges are fused autogeneously (no filler metal) with GTAW welding under a microscope, with welds ranging from the diameter of a hair to the diameter of a paper clip. Bellows are often smaller than a contact lens. The presentation will cover forming, fixturing, welding, weld chill, sectioning and analysis of welds. The techniques used can be applied to a variety of other small, delicate metallic components.
