The research activities carried out by the Network of Laboratories TISMA are related to the study of the combination of advanced welding technologies such as laser welding, arc welding and Friction Stir Welding (FSW), applied to the junction of innovative materials of last generation. These activities are conducted in the laboratory of innovative techniques for the welding of advanced materials (TISMA), with the following equipment:

- Fiber Laser Source (4kW)

- Hybrid Laser-Arc Welding Station with 5 axis control

- Hybrid FSW/Laser and FSW/Arc Station with 3 axis control

- GMAW Generator (500A)

- GTAW Generator (500A)

- X-Ray Diffractometer

- Stereomicroscope

- Thermal Imaging Camera

- Axial/Torsional Fatigue Testing Machine

- Capacitive Discharge Welding Machine (CDW)

- Ultrasonic CND welding inspection system

Among the welding technologies the laser and electric arc welding are well tested and nowadays these technologies are applied to a wide range of materials, configurations and projects. In addition the Friction Stir Welding (FSW), a solid state joining technique for the innovative process and consistent with the traditional methods of friction welding is a very valid technique for aluminum alloys, which can be welded successfully achieving high repeatability and integrity of the joint; moreover FSW provided good results in relation to light metal alloys, such as magnesium, copper, titanium and zinc, with a significant potential for the applications related to materials with a high point of fusion. In the TISMA laboratory the three technologies are used in combination, using simultaneously two different sources, and finalized to optimize the pre and post treatment welding time, with the aim of achieving a joint quality and improve the weldability of traditional and innovative materials, which are today difficult to weld with a single heat source technique.