Method and apparatus for heat treatment after welding of aluminum alloy parts, and welded aluminum parts processed according to this method

摘要

The present invention relates to a post-welding heat treatment (PWHT) method and apparatus for a welded aluminum alloy component, and a welded aluminum alloy component processed according to the method. The welded part initially includes a heat-affected zone with reduced load bearing capacity. The method comprises positioning the heat affected zone; And applying a heat source to at least one first location of the heat-affected region, the heat source generating a temperature higher than T _min , and the heat source can remain at that location for at least a period t _min . The device includes a heat source that is relatively movable relative to the component, can be positioned at that defined location, and is further controllable for temperature and residence time that affects the heat transferred to the component at the local location. According to the present invention, the area of the heat-affected zone along the weld is enlarged such that the force distribution across the weld is enhanced by PWHT, providing an improvement in the load-bearing properties of the part.