In lightweight design

the demand for connecting components of different kinds of materials is increasing

which challenges the traditional joining technology. Joining by plastic deformation is a kind of forming technology which realizes the connection between materials through plastic deformation. Because of its characteristics of high efficiency

environment-friendly and stable connection

it has become one of the hot spots in the academic and engineering circles at home and abroad in recent years. In this paper

the new methods of joining by plastic deformation of sheets

sheet/tube and tubes in recent years are reviewed. The principles

characteristics and potential applications of different methods of plastic connection are analyzed. The development trend of joining by plastic deformation between sheets and tubes is discussed and prospected.