New joining method free from heat deformations and stronger than conventional welding methods.
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Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a new method for joining. It involves the surfaces of the aluminium to be joined being pressed together and a rotating tool being pressed down into the metal and run along the joint.
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The rotating tool generates a temperature in the metal of between 100 and 150 °C below aluminium’s melting point and mixes the material together in a plastic state without melting.
The method requires neither filler nor a protective atmosphere and generates a weld virtually free from heat deformations.
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The method is suitable for joining aluminium extrusions of between 2 and 8 mm thick and the welding speed is about 1 m/min.
The method, patented by the Welding Institute in Cambridge, Britain in 1992, has been developed by several international industrial partners where Hydro has taken an active part. This method is seen to have great potential and for the most part will replace conventional welding methods. Hydro has among the most modern and advanced equipment for FSW in industrial use.
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Updated: December 12, 2007
