AWS Conference Showcases Industry Secrets and Latest Innovations in Joining Dissimilar Metals.

Industry Experts Explore Emerging Technology and Problem-Solving Techniques

MIAMI -- Joining dissimilar metals can be challenging for even the most skilled experts in the welding and metallurgy industries. It can be even more difficult to stay abreast of new and emerging technologies that continuously revolutionize the processes associated with joining unlike metals and alloys -- that is, until now. Finally, the industry secrets and emerging technologies that are transforming the science and practical application of joining unlike metals will be showcased at the Joining Dissimilar Metals Conference, hosted by the American Welding Society (AWS). This must-see event will feature leading experts and innovators from respected academic institutions and corporations from across the country who will address critical issues in joining unlike metals, including material and weld properties, heat treatment, corrosion, transition joints, service conditions, and practical considerations. The two-day symposium will be held at the Grosvenor Resort in Orlando, Florida, beginning on May 22, 2007.

Joining unlike metals and alloys is increasingly common in several industries, including utilities, energy, shipbuilding, petrochemicals and particularly automotive manufacturing, where there is a growing need to weld aluminum to steel. However, with the growing popularity of joining dissimilar metals, several complications that greatly affect the quality of the weld have also emerged. Fortunately, there are existing processes that can significantly reduce these common complications, some of which include explosion welding and inertia friction welding, which have successful track records in dissimilar metal joining. In addition, several newer processes are being spotlighted as promising solutions, including magnetic pulse welding and a new high-power ultrasonic welding that opens the door for use in heavier gages.

Delivering the keynote presentation will be Thomas W. Eagar, materials engineering and systems professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Eagar will draw from his several years of consulting experience to discuss today's greater diversity of metals and methods for addressing some of the most significant challenges posed by joining dissimilar metals. Other speakers include Dr. Karl Graff, a principal engineer at the Edison Welding Institute, who will explore the new world of ultrasonic welding. Dr. Graff's current work includes advancing the application of high power ultrasonics to joining metals and plastics. He is a recognized authority in the field of high power ultrasonics and the author of the acclaimed reference book, Wave Motion in Elastic Solids. Dr. Damian Kotecki, the former president of AWS and current technical director for stainless and high alloy product development at The Lincoln Electric Company, will discuss predicting microstructures in stainless steel welds as well as forecasting the weldability of stainless alloys, including austenitics and ferritics.

Conference registration is $550 for AWS members, $680 for nonmembers. Registration includes all conference sessions, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, and refreshment breaks. Nonmembers receive a two-year complimentary AWS membership with registration. For more information and to register for the Joining Dissimilar Metals Conference, please call 800-443-9353, ext. 224 or visit the conferences section on the AWS website at www.aws.org/conferences.

About AWS

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, AWS serves more than 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with more than 200 local Sections. For more information, visit the Society's website at http://www.aws.org and click on "pressroom."