Research progress in welding technology of Al-Li alloy

As a new type of low density and high properties structural material, Al-Li alloy has been applied in the fields such as aerospace and railway industry. The welding technologies of Al-Li alloy is the key to its use for components in aerospace and other industries. In recent years, the welding technologies of Al-Li alloy had been developed rapidly. The characteristics, key techniques, research situation as well as advantages and applicability of main welding methods of Al-Li alloy were summarized in the present paper. Compared with the conventional fusion welding methods, friction stir welding as a new solid state joining technology could provided more superior joint performance, which shows the potential for wide applications to welding of Al-Li alloy.