Friction stir welding, also known as friction stir welding (FSW), is a welding process that creates a solid connection between two metal parts without producing molten metal. Instead, the metal is heated and plastically deformed by a rotary and linear motion to create a solid connection. The process was developed in the 1990s by The Welding Institute (TWI) in the UK and is now used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding.
In friction stir welding, a rotating tool is pressed onto the contact surface between the parts to be joined. The friction between the tool and the metal generates heat, which softens the metal without melting it. The tool is moved along the contact surface, forming the metal and creating a firm connection.
Advantages
- Very high welding speed
- Pressure-tight weld seams
- Low deformation
- High strength of the connection
- Resistant to cracks and fatigue
- Low deformation and distortion, as no melting occurs
- No pollutant emissions in contrast to arc or laser welding
- Wide range of applications: aluminum, copper, magnesium
- Lower costs due to high welding speed and minimal post-processing
The process is increasingly being used in e-mobility for high-quality welded joints such as large battery housings and electronic housings. Welding the cast housing and cover ensures a non-porous and medium-tight joint with minimal heat input.
The integration of friction stir welding is generally possible in all SW machine series. The speeds and feeds for friction stir welding must be adapted to the axis forces of the machine. Independent Z-axes are recommended for multi-spindle welding. The use of single and multi-spindle machining centers allows upstream and downstream machining operations to be combined, thus significantly increasing efficiency compared to conventional friction stir welding systems.
Connection.
Your contact
for friction stir welding:
Michael Kreuzberger
+ 49 7402 74 7448
Michael.Kreuzberger@sw-machines.com
