Joining metal or alloy components using electric current

A system, comprising:

• a first metal or alloy component with a first major surface;
• and
• a second metal or alloy component with a second major surface, wherein the first major surface and the second major surface are adjacent to each other and define a joint region;
• a metal or alloy powder disposed in at least a portion of the joint region;
• a first controller that controls a first current source, wherein the first current source is electrically coupled in series to the first metal or alloy component and the first current source via a first external electrical conductor;
• a second controller that controls a second current source, wherein the second current course is electrically coupled in series to the second metal or alloy component and the second current source via a second external electrical conductor;
• wherein the first controller causes the first current source to output a first alternating current that conducts through the first component adjacent to a first portion of the joint region and induces at least one of magnetic eddy currents or magnetic hysteresis within at least a portion of the metal or alloy powder disposed in the first portion of the joint region;
• and
• wherein the second controller causes the second current source to output a second alternating current that conducts through the second component adjacent to a second portion of the joint region and induces at least one of magnetic eddy currents or magnetic hysteresis within at least a portion of the metal or alloy powder disposed in the second portion of the joint region.

A method comprising:

• positioning a first component comprising a first metal or alloy and a first major surface, wherein the first component is electrically coupled to a first current source via a first external electrical conductor, adjacent to a second component comprising a second metal or alloy and a second major surface, wherein the second component is electrically coupled to a second current source via a second external electrical conductor, to define a joint region between adjacent portions of the first major surface of the first component and the second major surface of the second component;
• introducing a metal or alloy powder to at least a portion of the joint region;
• and
• controlling, by a controller:
• the first current source to output a first alternating current that conducts through the first component adjacent to at least a first portion of the joint region and induces magnetic eddy currents, magnetic hysteresis, or both, within at least a portion of the metal or alloy powder disposed in the first portion of the joint region sufficient to soften or melt the metal or alloy powder disposed the first portion of the joint region;
• and
• the second current source to output a second alternating current that conducts through the second component adjacent to at least a second portion of the joint region and induces magnetic eddy currents, magnetic hysteresis, or both, within at least a portion of the metal or alloy powder disposed in the second portion of the joint region sufficient to soften or melt the metal or alloy powder disposed the second portion of the joint region.