A configuration for joining a ceramic layer has a thermal insulating material to a metallic layer. The configuration includes an interface layer made of metallic material located between the ceramic layer and the metallic layer, which includes a plurality of interlocking elements on one of its sides, facing the ceramic layer, the ceramic layer comprising a plurality of cavities aimed at connecting with the corresponding interlocking elements of the interface layer. The configuration also includes a brazing layer by means of which the interface layer is joint to the metallic layer. The invention also refers to a method for obtaining such a configuration.

The invention relates to a method of assembling two sheet metal elements (1, 1′), involving applying a bead of adhesive to a first element, assembling the second sheet metal element on the first and securing it by spot welds to hold the two sheet metal elements stationary before curing the adhesive. The invention consists in the fact that the bead of adhesive is applied discontinuously to the first sheet metal element (1) along an adhesive line and then, once the second sheet metal element (1′) has been pressed against the first, the two elements (1, 1′) are held fixed together by creating spot welds on sections of the discontinuous adhesive line that are devoid of adhesive.

The invention relates to a method of assembling two sheet metal elements (1, 1′), involving applying a bead of adhesive to a first element, assembling the second sheet metal element on the first and securing it by spot welds to hold the two sheet metal elements stationary before curing the adhesive. The invention consists in the fact that the bead of adhesive is applied discontinuously to the first sheet metal element (1) along an adhesive line and then, once the second sheet metal element (1′) has been pressed against the first, the two elements (1, 1′) are held fixed together by creating spot welds on sections of the discontinuous adhesive line that are devoid of adhesive.

Irradiation with a laser beam is started at a welding start position of two members that are stacked together, and the output of the laser beam is set so that spatter is not generated. After the start of the irradiation, the output of the laser beam is gradually increased so that a penetration depth from an irradiated edge to a deeper location between abutting surfaces of the two members falls within a predetermined penetration depth range while the laser beam is not moved. After the output of the laser beam is gradually increased, the laser beam is moved toward a welding end position so that the penetration depth is maintained within the penetration depth range.

Irradiation with a laser beam is started at a welding start position of two members that are stacked together, and the output of the laser beam is set so that spatter is not generated. After the start of the irradiation, the output of the laser beam is gradually increased so that a penetration depth from an irradiated edge to a deeper location between abutting surfaces of the two members falls within a predetermined penetration depth range while the laser beam is not moved. After the output of the laser beam is gradually increased, the laser beam is moved toward a welding end position so that the penetration depth is maintained within the penetration depth range.

Various methods for laser welding biocompatible material for use in implantable medical devices are disclosed. A method for laser processing includes applying a laser beam to a biocompatible material comprising at least 85% by weight zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2) or “zirconia” in an oxygen-free environment and depleting the material of oxygen. The depletion of oxygen converts the zirconium oxide to elemental zirconium at an interface where the material is applied to the elemental zirconium. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an implantable medical device or component thereof made of a biocompatible material comprising zirconium oxide. The device includes a substrate that has an intrinsic conductive pathway comprising elemental zirconium that extends from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate.

Various methods for laser welding biocompatible material for use in implantable medical devices are disclosed. A method for laser processing includes applying a laser beam to a biocompatible material comprising at least 85% by weight zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2) or “zirconia” in an oxygen-free environment and depleting the material of oxygen. The depletion of oxygen converts the zirconium oxide to elemental zirconium at an interface where the material is applied to the elemental zirconium. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for an implantable medical device or component thereof made of a biocompatible material comprising zirconium oxide. The device includes a substrate that has an intrinsic conductive pathway comprising elemental zirconium that extends from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate.

A method of repairing a superalloy component includes a series of sequential steps. The steps are, cleaning the component, applying brazing material to the component, heat treating the component, inspecting the component, preparing the surface of the component, welding the component, and performing a second inspection of the component. The superalloy component is comprised of a high gamma prime superalloy.

A method of repairing a superalloy component includes a series of sequential steps. The steps are, cleaning the component, applying brazing material to the component, heat treating the component, inspecting the component, preparing the surface of the component, welding the component, and performing a second inspection of the component. The superalloy component is comprised of a high gamma prime superalloy.

A laser welding method includes a pretreatment process and a welding process. At least one metal member of the plurality of metal members is formed from a metal-plated steel plate in which a base metal has been covered with a coating material that has a melting point lower than the base metal. In the pretreatment process, with the position of the first metal member in the in-plane direction fixed, processing is performed from the front surface of the first metal member to form on the back surface, a protrusion that bulges from the back surface. Then, in the welding process, the first metal member in which a protrusion has been formed is superposed on a second metal member with the protrusion therebetween while maintaining the position in the in-plane direction, and laser light is irradiated on the superposed region to weld the plurality of metal members to each other.