Inventors:
Kiyohide Terai - Arlington MA
George Mackertich - Plymouth MA
Assignee:
International Vacuum, Inc. - Pembroke MA
International Classification:
B23K 1500
Abstract:
An electron-beam welding system for use in welding large masses of magnetic metals such as steel. Abutting segments of metal masses such as adjacent plates are welded by electron-beam welding. Two electron-beam welding units are used. One unit is used from one side of the plates to preheat the joint to a temperature to the transformation melting temperature. This preheating eliminates the magnetic field in the heating area. Subsequent electron-beam welding from the other side of the plates, while still hot, creates a welded joint in which the electron-beams are unaffected by magnetic fields within the plates.