Soldered copper lap joints using reactive material architectures as a heat source

Abstract Traditional welding and joining techniques require an independent heat source and a skilled operator, which makes complex joints and welding in remote environments difficult. Additively manufactured reactive material architectures can be used as a programmable heat source, minimizing both the joining equipment and any operator hazards. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using reactive material architectures as a programmable heat source to create soldered copper lap joints and compares these joints to traditionally soldered joints.