Aluminum-steel clad plates are made by combining two different metal materials, aluminum and steel, through a specific welding or joining process to form a composite material. Aluminum clad steel plates are often used to manufacture ship hulls, decks, cabins and other structures. Their seawater corrosion resistance and high strength enable them to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment and extend the service life of the ship.

Due to the differences in the physical and chemical properties of aluminum and steel, direct welding is challenging, so the following methods are usually used to achieve the connection of aluminum clad steel plates:

1. Friction Welding

Friction welding is a solid-state welding process that uses the heat generated by friction to make the material reach a plastic state on the contact surface, and then applies pressure to make it bond. This method is suitable for the connection of aluminum and steel, and can effectively avoid melting and corresponding defects.

2. Laser Welding

Laser welding uses a high-energy laser beam to heat the contact surface of the material, causing it to melt and bond quickly. Laser welding has the advantages of high precision and a small heat-affected zone, and is suitable for the connection of thin plate materials.

3. Brazing

Brazing is the process of forming a connection between aluminum and steel using a molten filler metal (brazing filler metal). The temperature of brazing is lower than the melting point of the parent metal, so it does not cause excessive thermal effects on aluminum and steel. Commonly used brazing fillers include aluminum-silicon alloys and silver-based alloys.

4. Mechanical connection

In some cases, the connection between aluminum and steel can be achieved mechanically, such as using rivets, bolts or other connectors. This method does not involve welding, but it can effectively combine the two materials.

5. Ultrasonic welding

Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to produce localized heating on the contact surface of aluminum and steel, causing the materials to melt and bond at the contact point. This method is suitable for connecting thin materials.

6. Spray welding

Spray welding is the process of spraying molten metal onto the surface of the substrate to form a composite layer. Although this method is mainly used for surface treatment, it can also be used to join aluminum and steel.

The welding of aluminum steel clad plates usually requires specific techniques to overcome the welding difficulties between aluminum and steel. Friction welding, laser welding and brazing are all commonly used joining methods. Choosing the right method depends on the specific application requirements and material properties.