Inductive high-frequency pressure welding

Inductive high-frequency pressure welding is a new process in use at MTU. It serves to manufacture large low-pressure compressor and fan blisks in titanium by welding the forged airfoils on to the disk. The process permits different materials for airfoils and disks to be joined. Another advantage of welded blisks is that much less material is needed than for blisks milled from the solid. Inductive high-frequency pressure welding can also be used to repair blisks by replacing individual airfoils.

Operating principle of inductive high-frequency pressure welding

In inductive high-frequency pressure welding a high-frequency alternating current is used to generate a strong electromagnetic field which heats the materials to the required joining temperature. When the parts are pressed together the molten phase is expelled and the joint is produced. The resulting forged structure has properties similar to those of the base material.