Patent ID: 6689982
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: B23K,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of welding tubular members, comprising:providing first and second tubular members, each of the first and second tubular members being formed at least in part of aluminum, and each of the first and second tubular members having a respective exterior surface; providing at least one welding material member, each of the at least one welding material member being constructed of an electrically conductive metallic welding material capable of bonding in weld-forming relation with the first and second tubular members; securing each of the at least one welding material member on the first tubular member so that each of the at least one welding material member remains in a predetermined position on the first tubular member prior to being in contact with the second tubular member; positioning the second tubular member adjacent the first tubular member with the at least one welding material member being disposed in current transmitting relation between the respective exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members; and applying an electrical current across the first and second tubular members such that the applied current flows through the respective exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members and each of the at least one welding material member disposed between the first and second tubular members to weld the respective exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members together.