Possible Problems and Limitations
The material melted by the beam shrinks during cooling after solidification, which may have unwanted consequences, like cracking, deformations and changes of shape, depending on conditions.
The butt weld of two plates will result in bending of the weldment due to the fact that more material has been melted at the head than at the root of the weld. This effect is of course not as substantial as by arc welding.
Another potential danger is the emergence of cracks in the weld. If both parts are rigid, the shrinkage of the weld produces high stress in the weld which may lead to cracks if the material is brittle (even if only after remelting by welding). Consequences of the weld contractions should always be considered by the construction of the parts to be welded.
Read more about this topic: Electron Beam Welding
Famous quotes containing the words problems and/or limitations:
“One of the annoying things about believing in free will and individual responsibility is the difficulty of finding somebody to blame your problems on. And when you do find somebody, it’s remarkable how often his picture turns up on your driver’s license.”
—P.J. (Patrick Jake)
“Growing up means letting go of the dearest megalomaniacal dreams of our childhood. Growing up means knowing they can’t be fulfilled. Growing up means gaining the wisdom and skills to get what we want within the limitations imposed by reality—a reality which consists of diminished powers, restricted freedoms and, with the people we love, imperfect connections.”
—Judith Viorst (20th century)