What is Friction Stir Welding?

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding process that produces coalescence of material by the heat obtained from a mechanically induced rotating motion between tightly butted surfaces. The work parts are held together under pressure.

FSW was invented in 1991 by Wayne Thomas of The Welding Institute (TWI) in the United Kingdom. The process was first used on aluminum alloys but has since been adapted for use on other metals, including steels, titanium, and nickel alloys.

FSW is a versatile welding process that can be used to join a variety of materials, including metals that are difficult to weld using traditional methods. The process is well suited for joining dissimilar materials and for welding metals that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as aluminum.

FSW is a relatively new welding process and is still being developed. The process has great potential for use in a variety of industries, including:

the automotive,
aerospace,
shipbuilding,
and construction industries.

What are the advantages of Friction Stir Welding?

There are many advantages to using the friction stir welding process, including:

The process is fast and efficient.
FSW produces strong welds with high joint integrity.
The process is versatile and can be used to join a variety of materials.

What materials can be friction stir welded?

A variety of metals can be friction stir welded, including:

aluminum,
steel,
titanium,
and nickel alloys.

What are the disadvantages of Friction Stir Welding?

There are a few disadvantages to using the friction stir welding process, including:

The process is sensitive to variations in temperature and material properties.
The process is not well suited for welding materials that are thicker than 6 mm (0.25 inches).

Friction stir welding spacex

Friction stir welding is used extensively by Spacex. The company uses the process to weld the aluminum skin of its rockets and spacecraft.

Friction stir welding machine

Friction stir welding machines are used to weld metals using the friction stir welding process. These machines typically have a rotating tool that is inserted into the joint between the two pieces of metal to be welded.