Cold metal transfer (CMT) technology - An overview

Cold Metal Transfer technology has revolutionized the welding of dissimilar metals and thicker materials by producing improved weld bead aesthetics with controlled metal deposition and low heat-input. In this study, the process, weld combinations, laser-CMT hybrid welding and applications of CMT welding are critically reviewed. Microstructure and other weld characteristics have been discussed at length for various base metal combinations. Particularly, the welding of aluminium and steel with better results has been possible with CMT Welding. The results reviewed in this article indicate that the CMT-Laser hybrid welding is more preferable to Laser or Laser hybrid welding. CMT welding has found applications in automobile industries, defence sectors and power plants as a method of additive manufacturing.