The process of Friction Welding has been utilized in the United States and Europe for over 50 years. Although well known to some, in general it has been a very well kept secret. Once people completely understand the process, its benefits quickly become evident.

DEFINITION
Friction welding is a solid-state process that is achieved through frictional heat. This heat is generated by a controlled rubbing of two components until material reaches its plastic state, at which time plasticized material begins to form layers that intertwine with one another. The friction welding machine controls this rubbing through a series of unique parameters for rotational speed (rpm’s), axial force and time. Once these parameters are established, they are recorded, stored and then repeated with each cycle of the machine. The process can be described best in the four stages as follows:

I.	Parts are loaded into welder, one in rotating spindle and the other in a stationary clamp. (Special tooling may be required if parts do not have a natural axis of symmetry.)
II.	Component in spindle is brought up to pre-determined rotational speed and then a pre-determined axial force is applied.
III.	These conditions are maintained for a pre-determined amount of time until desired temperatures and material conditions exist.
IV.	Rotational speed is then stopped and increased axial force is applied until desired upset is obtained. Components are then unloaded and cycle is repeated.

Friction welding is a process that is currently used in many different industries. The key is to fully understand the process and its advantages, then have the ability to visualize how it could be utilized in specific applications you may have. American Friction Welding offers any technical support necessary to assist you in that process. We extend an open invitation for you to tour our facility and see the process first hand. Call or fax us today!