Flash Welding^[1]

Flash welding (FW) is a resistance welding process in which a butt joint weld is produced by a flashing action and by the application of pressure. Flash welding is used to join metallic parts that have similar cross sections in terms of size and shape. This article discusses flash-welding applications, including chain links, transmission bands, automotive flywheel ring gears, aircraft landing gear, band-saw blades, and crankshaft counter weights. It describes the components of a typical flash-welding machine. The article provides information on the electrical controls of flash-welding equipment. These include programmable controllers, welding current controllers, and either motor or servo-valve controllers.