Diffusion Welding
Diffusion Welding is a solid-state welding process that results from the application of heat and pressure,
usually in a controlled atmosphere, with sufficient time allowed for solid-state diffusion and coalescence
to occur. Temperatures are well below the melting points of the metals, and plastic deformation at the
surfaces is only minimal.
Applications of diffusion welding include the joining of high-strength and refractory metals in the
aerospace and nuclear industries. The process is used to join both similar and dissimilar metals, and
in the latter case a filler layer of a different metal is often sandwiched between the two base metals to
promote diffusion. A limitation of the process can be the time required for diffusion to occur between
the faying surfaces; this time can range from seconds to hours.