Local reinforcement of titanium sheet by means of GTAW droplet deposition for threaded connections

Abstract

Abstract. Making threaded connections to thin metal sheets requires locally thickening of the sheet in order to provide enough thread length for a structurally sound connection. Shaped Metal Deposition processes like Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) allow to locally build-up material in order to provide thickness for a sufficient length of thread engagement. This publication describes the research towards local thickening of a titanium sheet by means of pulsed Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) droplet deposition, aimed at creating threaded holes for thin shelled bone fracture fixation plates. The influence of current, weld time and amount of filler material on droplet diameter and height is studied.