摘要 |
A method of diffusion bonding at least two metal workpieces (12, 14, 16) comprises assembling the workpieces (12, 14, 16) into a stack (10) relative to each other so that the surfaces (18, 20, 22, 24) are in mating contact. The edges of the workpieces (12, 14, 16) are sealed together, except for an aperture (42) where a pipe (44) is to be inserted. A pipe (44) is joined to the stack (10) such that the axis (50) of the pipe (44) is arranged at an angle of at least 45 DEG to the axis (48) of the aperture (42) to provide a sealed assembly. The interior of the sealed assembly is evacuated via the pipe (44) and the pipe (44) is sealed. Sufficient heat and pressure is applied across the thickness of the workpieces (10, 12, 14) to diffusion bond the workpieces together to form an integral structure. The angling of the pipe (44) relative to the aperture (42) reduces the possibility of the pipe (44) being sucked back and bursting during diffusion bonding. <IMAGE> |