Friction stir welding: the process
Friction stir welding is a process in which a rotating pin is traversed along the contact surfaces between the workpieces. The frictional heat plasticizes the material, which is welded together.
The process is particularly suitable for joining non-ferrous metals with a low melting temperature and for mixed-material joints. Even materials that are difficult to weld or dissimilar materials such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium or steel can be joined with friction stir welding.
Friction stir welding: the advantages
Top weld quality - No welding defects such as pores or cracks
- Joining of a wide variety of materials possible
- Comparatively low heat input
- High seam strength with minimal welding distortion
Cost-effectiveness - Economical joining of complex 3D geometries
- Material savings through component optimization
- No consumables such as shielding gas or filler wire
Green technology - Environmentally friendly thanks to low energy consumption
- No fume extraction or anti-glare measures required
Everything from a single source: from engineering to service
From feasibility and process investigations to trial welds, tool selection and parameter optimization, including the conceptual design, manufacture and delivery of the system, KUKA offers the entire spectrum of services associated with friction stir welding.