Patent ID: 6888090
Filing Date: 2005-05-03
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. An electron beam welding method comprising the steps of: placing together articles to define a contact surface interface therebetween, the contact surface interface comprising first and second portions; applying a local magnetic field to the second portion of the contact surface interface; and then directing an electron beam at the first portion of the contact surface interface to electron beam weld the articles together at the contact surface interface and thereby form a welded component, the electron beam having a path through the articles that in the absence of the local magnetic field coincides with the first portion of the contact surface region but does not coincide with the second portion of the contact surface interface as the electron beam travels farther through the articles, wherein the local magnetic field steers the electron beam away from a portion of the path to force the electron beam to also coincide with the second portion of the contact surface interface so that the articles axe welded together over the entire contact surface interface.