Ribbon Reduces Spiking in Electron-Beam Welding

Spiking in electron-beam welding reduced by placing high-vapor-pressure substance along path of electron beam. Strip of metal having vapor pressure higher than base metal at same temperature placed in slot machined along weld line. Strip vaporizes as beam strikes it, and vapor pressure keeps surface tension from closing off top of channel. Technique used successfully on nickel alloys and aluminum alloys and effective on steel and titanium.