Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a method for welding difficult-to-weld metal components as illustrated in the welding of a receiver for a weapon. The method reduces net distortion by a number of techniques, including: (1) cooling the weld with Carbon Dioxide (CO.sub.2) preheated with the welding torch tip; (2) use of not more than approximately 4% oxygen in the shield gas to enable hotter, faster welding; (3) the use of a reduced voltage and wire feed rate at the end of a weld to avoid cracking; (4) the intentional use of distortion to reduce net distortion; and (5) sequencing of welds to reduce distortion. Distortion can be introduced in the stamped parts as they are made or when placed in a fixture for welding that, when welded, have less distortion than before. Distortion can also be countered by welding parts in a sequence where a subsequent weld reduces the distortion of a previous weld. The process is illustrated as applied to a receiver for a weapon made by welding non-compatible and low carbon steels in a low tolerance configuration.

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First Claim