Liquid phase diffusion welding of aluminium was studies. In this study, the surface of aluminium was cleaned by Ar ion beam bombardment and an alloyed film (Al-5wt.% Si-5wt.% Cu) was deposited on the bonding surface by sputtering. In this report, the effect of Ar ion bombardment on the oxide film of the bonding and weldability were investigated.
The results indicated that: (1) Oxygen content on the bonding surface could be reduced by Ar ion bombardment, but the oxide film could not be removed perfectly. Wettability and weldability could be improved by Ar ion bombardment. (2) Upon heating, the alloyed film started to melt at 523°C. (3) Mechanical properties of diffusion welded joints equal to those of the base metal were obtained by the following condition: A welding temperature above 580°C, a pressure of 2 MPa and a welding time of lh.
(4) Weld deformation was 1.68% with a welding temperature of 580°C and 3.28% with 610°C. Therefore, it was possible to make precise welding because weld deformation was less than that of conventional diffusion welding.
