Design features of devices for diffusion welding in a glow discharge

Nowadays, to obtain precision joints from dissimilar materials, industry mainly uses diffusion welding, which is carried out by pressure in the solid state at temperatures below the melting point of the materials being joined. Currently, diffusion welding uses induction (high-frequency), radiation heating, and heating in low-temperature glow discharge plasma. The first two methods, due to their technological features, require deep vacuum for welding and, accordingly, the presence of structurally complex and expensive vacuum systems in the installations. The later developed method of diffusion welding in a glow discharge turned out to be significantly more technological and economical, since the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy in this case is carried out directly on the surface of the parts being welded, i.e. direct heating with high thermal efficiency is implemented. The purpose of the work is to analyze physical and technical characteristics of the glow discharge as an energy source for diffusion welding and to determine the main design approaches to the practical implementation of these processes. Technical and technological features of glow discharge as a promising high-tech and economical energy source for diffusion welding processes, which are currently gaining significant popularity, are considered. The structure of glow discharge diffusion welding installations is considered. The main components of the mechanical and energy complexes of the installations are given. The main technical requirements for individual installation components are formulated and practical examples of their implementation are given, which will help specialists in the design and manufacture of appropriate equipment.