FRICITON STIR WELDING - New production process
Friction Stir Welding: Joining/Welding Technology for Aluminium in Tu-val, also for small and medium size batches
Friction stir welding (FSW) stands as a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of joining technologies. Developed in 1991 by The Welding Institute (TWI) in the United Kingdom, FSW has since revolutionized the welding landscape, particularly for materials that prove challenging to weld using conventional methods like aluminium.
The FSW Process
FSW is a solid-state joining process, meaning the materials being welded do not melt during the process. Instead, frictional heat generated by a rotating tool softens the materials, which are then joined under mechanical pressure. This results in a high-strength, defect-free weld.
Key Advantages
- Material Versatility: FSW is particularly well-suited for joining aluminum, copper, and other non-ferrous alloys, as well as certain thermoplastics.
- Reduced Distortion: Since FSW operates at lower temperatures compared to conventional welding techniques, it minimizes distortion and residual stresses in the welded components.
- Enhanced Properties: FSW produces welds with superior mechanical properties, including high fatigue resistance and improved corrosion resistance.
- Environmentally Friendly: With no consumables or emissions of harmful fumes, FSW aligns with sustainable manufacturing practices.
Applications
FSW finds applications across a wide range of industries:
- Aerospace: Used extensively in aerospace manufacturing for joining components such as fuselage panels, wing structures, and heat exchangers.
- Automotive: Employed in the fabrication of automotive components, including body panels, chassis structures, heat exchangers and coolant distribution area.
- Marine: Applied in shipbuilding for joining hull panels, deck structures, and interior fittings.
- Rail: Utilized for joining railway carriage components, including floor panels and structural members.
Conclusion
Friction stir welding represents a significant technological advancement in the field of materials joining, offering unparalleled benefits in terms of strength, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. With its versatility and superior weld quality, FSW continues to drive innovation across various industries, shaping the future of manufacturing.
TU-VAL d.o.o. offers FSW design and solution for your particular challenge in collaboration with university experts on welding. Our team can provide fast turnaround prototypes and competitive small batch production of components with integrated Friction Stir Welding process. All with extended weld validation tests according to required standards and PPAP requirements.
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