A multiple spot vaporizing foil actuator weld (VFAW) system includes a target sheet layer secured relative to a stabilizing component, such that standoff components may be arranged sandwichably between the target and a flier sheet layer. An electrically insulating layer separates the flier from a vaporizing component sheet layer, which may comprise at least two vaporizing subsections configured to have less conductive material than at least three dividing subsections that separate the vaporizing subsections. The geometry and/or other features of the vaporizing subsections may be varied to optimize the vaporization. A second electrically insulated stabilizing component may sandwichably secure the above components between the first stabilizing component in order to control the forces generated in the VFAW process. The method involves loading the vaporizable component sheet layer with electrons via applied voltage such that the vaporizing subsections sublimate. The rapidly expanding gas particles accelerate the flier, completing the weld.

Exothermic welding molds, weld-metal containing cartridges for such molds, and methods of use are provided. The mold, cartridges, and methods can provide interaction between the cartridge's disk member with the mold, which allows the housing member to be withdrawn from the mold while leaving the disk member and weld-metal in place. The interaction can be a rotational restraint alone, a vertical restraint alone, or combinations thereof. Alternately, the interaction can be an outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member, a shear force on the housing member and/or disk member, or combinations thereof. The outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member can alternately be provided without interaction between the disk member and the mold, but rather by the simple application of an internal pressure to the cartridge. The internal pressure can be applied by squeezing the walls of the cartridge and/or by depressing a pusher member.

Exothermic welding molds, weld-metal containing cartridges for such molds, and methods of use are provided. The mold, cartridges, and methods can provide interaction between the cartridge's disk member with the mold, which allows the housing member to be withdrawn from the mold while leaving the disk member and weld-metal in place. The interaction can be a rotational restraint alone, a vertical restraint alone, or combinations thereof. Alternately, the interaction can be an outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member, a shear force on the housing member and/or disk member, or combinations thereof. The outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member can alternately be provided without interaction between the disk member and the mold, but rather by the simple application of an internal pressure to the cartridge. The internal pressure can be applied by squeezing the walls of the cartridge and/or by depressing a pusher member.

A system and method for joining dissimilar metals. In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and an intermediate body that is positioned between the first metal plate and the second metal plate. The first metal plate is then driven into the intermediate body, which causes at least a portion of the intermediate body to collide with the second metal plate. As a result, the material of the intermediate body joins the first metal plate to the second plate. In another embodiment, a method for joining dissimilar metals comprises providing a first metal that is not amenable to welding, a second metal that is joinable to the first metal, and an intermediate body that is not joinable to at least the first metal. The intermediate body may have at least one hole such that the first metal and the second metal are positioned over and on opposite sides of the hole(s). At least a portion of the second metal may then be driven into the hole(s) to be joined to first metal.

An electrical connector can be provided for connecting a power source to an insertable conductor, including an igniter for exothermic weld material. One or more conductors can be disposed within a housing that is configured to receive the insertable conductor. An actuator can be engaged from outside the housing to move at least one of the conductors within the housing between resting and actuated orientations.

The system comprises a mold (6) which in turn comprises: a weld cavity (4), housings (5) for the components (1) to be welded, a crucible-funnel (7) communicated with the weld cavity (4) for housing filling material (3), at least one additional cavity (10) for housing an exothermic mixture (2); and an inner shell (11) that separates the crucible-funnel (7) and the at least one additional cavity (10) to transmit heat produced in the exothermic reaction from the additional cavity (10) to the crucible-funnel (7). It allows the exothermic mixture to be isolated to avoid contact with the filling material (3) and to prevent it from reaching the weld cavity (4). The system can further include a first filler (13) and a second filler (16), arranged to be mounted over the mold (6) for introducing the filling material (3) and the exothermic mixture (2), respectively.

A bonded body of copper and ceramic includes: a copper member made of copper or a copper alloy and a ceramic member made of an aluminum oxide, the copper member and the ceramic member being bonded to each other; a magnesium oxide layer which is formed on a ceramic member side between the copper member and the ceramic member; and a Mg solid solution layer which is formed between the magnesium oxide layer and the copper member and contains Mg in a state of a solid solution in a Cu primary phase, in which one or more active metals selected from Ti, Zr, Nb, and Hf are present in the Mg solid solution layer.

An exothermic welding cup and an exothermic welding capsule, wherein the exothermic welding cup comprises a cup, a cover and an igniter; the cup is used to accommodate welding powder, the cup has an opening, and the cover is used to cover the opening; the igniter comprises a heating portion disposed in the cup, and the heating portion has an insulating member and a heating member; and the insulating member is disposed between the heating member and the cover. The exothermic welding cup can avoid the shorting caused by the contact between the heated heating member and the cover. Also, an encapsulation ring disposed between the cover and the cup is configured to seal the welding powder within the cup so as to prevent the powder from falling out, and the encapsulation ring made of stainless steel ensures effective encapsulation of the welding powder within a certain welding time.

An exothermic welding apparatus and an exothermic welding method, belonging to the exothermic welding field are provided. The exothermic welding apparatus includes a mold, an igniter and an electronic starter, the mold has a holding space configured to accommodate an exothermic welding flux, the igniter includes a heating wire, a first conductor wire and a first connector, the heating wire is configured to ignite the exothermic welding flux directly, one end of the first conductor wire is electrically connected to the heating wire, the other end of the first conductor wire is electrically connected to the first connector, and the electronic starter cooperates with the first connector and is configured to supply power to the first connector. The exothermic welding apparatus can ignite an exothermic welding flux by supplying power with an electronic starter.

An electrical connector can be provided for connecting a power source to an insertable conductor, including an igniter for exothermic weld material. One or more conductors can be disposed within a housing that is configured to receive the insertable conductor. An actuator can be engaged from outside the housing to move at least one of the conductors within the housing between resting and actuated orientations.