Initially, parts are loaded into the friction welding equipment. Experienced friction welders control this rotational movement (friction) through a series of unique parameters:
Rotational Speed, Axial Force and Time.
After the three parameters are established, they're recorded and stored for use throughout the entire project. Using this quality approach ensures repeatable consistency for each additional weld produced on the machine. The 3-stage process is described in more detail below.
Friction Welding is
a "solid-state joint process that produces coalescence of materials under compressive force contact of workpieces rotating or moving relative to one another to produce heat and to plastically displace material from the faying surfaces."*
Friction welding has been used in the United States
and Europe for more than 50 years. While well-known to some, it's been a very well-kept secret. As customers learn and understand the process, benefits become clearly obvious.
* The Friction Welding Process was formally defined by the AWS on Oct 15, 2008 in the Recommended PracticesAWS C6.1 for the Welding Industry.
To view PSI, RPM and MM of a sample friction weld, read the details on the Weld Playback Graph found below.
Our Friction Welding Experience is built on more than 10 million welds!
We recently added up the weld counters on all our welding machines and discovered that we've manufactured more than 10,000,000 friction welds.
One component is positioned in a stationary clamp. The second part is positioned in the rotating spindle, which is then brought up to a pre-defined rotational speed. At the right moment, pre-defined axial force is applied.
These conditions are maintained for a predetermined time until the desired temperatures and material conditions exist. It's during this stage that the two materials are plasticized (become malleable).
Rotational speed is stopped. Then increased axial force is applied for another predetermined time - completing the weld. This provides molecular bonding and grain refinement through the weld zone.
Weld Playback Graph
PSI, RPM and MM readings taken on a Thompson 4-Ton Friction Welding Machine RETURN TO TOP
