"Cold plate welding" most commonly refers to friction stir welding, a solid-state joining process used to create high-strength, leak-free cold plates. Unlike traditional melting processes, Cold plate welding uses a rotating tool to generate frictional heat, softening the metals without melting them and allowing them to be joined under pressure. This results in a stronger, more reliable cold plate with a narrow heat-affected zone, reduced distortion, and improved dimensional stability.
How it works ?
Forge Welding: Under forging pressure, the softened materials bond together without melting, forming a robust joint.
Advantages of FSW for cold plates?
High strength: Creates strong, durable joints with high mechanical strength (e.g., up to \(300\) bar).
Leak-proof: The solid-state process eliminates porosity, resulting in a 100% leak-free seal.
Dissimilar metals: Can be used to join different types of metals, which is not possible with many traditional welding methods.
Dimensional stability: The narrow heat-affected zone minimizes distortion, resulting in a more dimensionally stable final product.
Cost-effective: Often more cost-effective than other methods like brazing or laser welding for aluminum cold plates.
Improved thermal performance: Enables the use of high-conductivity materials for better thermal efficiency.
Excellent Joint Integrity
Laser welding provides excellent joint integrity. These may include simplified part designs resulting in stronger components, which can be produced at lower cost
Limited Access
The manufacturing process is excellent for fine components and it can be used in areas where there is limited access.
Good For High Volume, High Quality Welds
The finish is superior which is ideal for medical applications where weld quality is vital for hygiene and precision.
Good Lead Times
Prototypes and production can be turned quickly, and used as a competitive edge to get to market faster.
Ability To Weld Dissimilar Metals
Laser welding is suitable to aluminium and copper cold plates.
