Electromagnetic impact welding of aluminum to stainless steel sheets

Welding of aluminum (Al) to stainless steel (SS) is difficult due to the difference in their melting temperatures. The processes, which are available for welding of Al-to-SS, are friction welding, laser welding, electric discharge welding, etc. The present study investigates electromagnetic impact welding of Al-to-SS by using Al as the driver sheet. The effects of process parameters such as energy, standoff distance and coil geometry on the tensile shear strength of the welds are examined. A study has been carried out to characterize the effectiveness of the process of welding 1 mm thick Al sheet to 0.25 mm thick SS sheet. The results of the microstructure and tensile shear strength tests are also reported.