The different applications of friction stir welding
Friction stir welding is a solid-state welding process. The heat generated by the friction of the tool causes a local softening which allows the material to be worked. After the preheating phase, the rotating tool moves along the joint at a defined speed to make the weld. Aluminum alloys of all types of processing and composition are joined by this process.
Joining of different materials by friction stir welding
riction stir welding is mainly used to join different aluminum alloys, but not only. Titanium, copper, magnesium, steel, or nickel alloys are also joined by friction stir welding. Different combinations of these materials can be joined by friction stir welding, such as steel and aluminum.
Wide range of friction stir welding applications
Friction stir welding is used in many different sectors. It is used in aeronautics and aerospace, shipbuilding, railway vehicle construction or in the electrical industry. In the automotive industry, especially in the e-mobility sector, friction stir welding is used to produce battery boxes for electric vehicles.
The reason for the wide range of applications is that FSW allows for maximum welding quality. It is possible to join different materials with a relatively low heat input. With FSW, there are no weld defects such as pores or cracks, while high weld strength is achieved with minimal weld deformation.
Many advantages of friction stir welding applications
The Friction Stir Welding application does not require any consumables. No shielding gas or cored wire is used here. The excellent optimization of the parts saves materials. Even complex 3D geometries can be assembled economically with FSW. In addition, the process convinces with its low energy consumption. There is no need for fume extraction or glare protection, making this process a green technology.
In friction stir welding applications, we work at lower temperatures than in MIG/MAG welding. It is therefore less likely that the materials to be joined will shrink or deform. Friction stir welding uses machine tool technology. This allows for automation and easy repetition of the welding process. The process is suitable for all positions. Production costs can be significantly reduced, while the company benefits from a durable and reliable solution.
Customized Friction Stir Welding applications
TRA-C Industrie is specialized in Friction Stir Welding and offers its industrial customers customized solutions to meet the most diverse needs. We develop for our customers complete welding cells or special machines for which Friction Stir Welding is used. Depending on the needs, we also develop robots or traceability technologies to meet all the requirements of our customers.
Our team consists of engineers, designers and PhD students who work together to find the optimal solution for our customers throughout Europe. In addition, our employees are always striving to optimize processes and push the limits of what is possible. That is why we also have our own integrated test laboratory. Once our team of experts has developed an application for a client, it is delivered turnkey. Through comprehensive training, we ensure that our customer can put the machine into operation without problems and use it correctly. Throughout the life cycle of the device, the customer can count on us for maintenance.
