Friction Stir Welding – FSW
The Friction Stir Welding (FSW) machine performs the joining of metallic materials in the solid state by friction heating and deformation generated by the contact of a tool in rotary movement with the material.
Friction stir welding and processing machine – Model RM1, Manufacturing Technology Inc.
Friction stir welding process
The process has several advantages, such as:
– Solid-state: the material does not reach the melting point during welding, avoiding defects due to solidification, minimizing distortion, and reducing or eliminating the precipitation of deleterious phases;
– Autogenous: the union does not use filler metal addition and the joint is consolidated only with the welded material itself;
– Environmental-friendly: no need for shield gas, low energy consumption, and no toxic fumes produced;
– Automated: less prone to human errors.
Friction stir welding is applicable to a number of materials: aluminum, magnesium, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel and nickel alloys. In addition, dissimilar joints can be produced, such as carbon steel-aluminum, copper-stainless steel, nickel alloy-steel, among others.
The machine available at LNNano has devices for welding flat plates and pipes.
Device for plate welding.
Device for circumferential pipe welding.
The equipment counts with a temperature measurement system through type K thermocouple, which enables to record tool temperature during welding. The technical characteristics of the machine are shown in the table below.
Technical characteristics of FSW machine.
| X axis | Route of 645 mm; Maximum speed of 3000 mm/min. |
| Y axis | Route of 260 mm; Maximum speed 3000 mm/min. |
| Z axis | Force, Position, or Power control; Maximum force of 80 kN. |
| Tools Head | Maximum speed of 3000 rpm with non refrigerated tools and 800 rpm for refrigerated ones. |