The lightweight design of structural assemblies is an effective approach to property improvement, energy-saving, and environmental pollution reduction. The joining of new and dissimilar materials can fulfill the desired requirements in structural properties and lightweight design, which have gradually become the most extensive materials for structural applications, particularly in automotive, aerospace, railways, and shipbuilding, because of the high strength to weight ratio.

The difficulties and issues in welding and joining new and dissimilar materials need to be solved, while the related highlight should also be welcomed. The viewpoints of structural design, joint formation, microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and so on need to be investigated, laying the theoretical foundation and providing technical support.

This Research Topic welcomes papers (original research articles, state-of-the-art reviews, perspectives) on the latest advances and developments in welding and joining, preferably referring to new and dissimilar materials, as well as in related additive manufacturing techniques. Suggested contributions may include, but are not limited to:

Manufacturing issues:
1. High-efficiency welding and joining techniques for mass production applications
2. Robotic welding and joining processes
3. Green welding and joining processes and safety production
4. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing processes
5. Repairing based on welding
6. Welding process control
7. Hybrid welding process in multi-energy fields
8. Friction stir welding and processing
9. Numerical modeling and simulation

Material(s) issues:
1. Emerging high-performance thermoplastic polymers
2. High strength-toughness aluminum alloys
3. High melting points alloys, such as titanium alloys, high-entropy alloys
4. Dissimilar materials, such as Al/Mg, Al/Ti, Al/polymer, Al/steel, and so on
5. Functional gradient materials

Microstructure and performance issues:
1. Weld formation
2. Microstructural evolution
3. Hardness
4. Tensile properties
5. Fatigue properties
6. Damage tolerance and fracture mechanics

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Frontiers in Materials

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