A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.

Friction stir welding using a superabrasive tool

A system and method for performing friction stir welding of non-planar materials having high melting temperatures, wherein a process is provided for performing longitudinal and radial welds on objects such as pipes, flanges, tanks, and shrouds, and wherein an active or passive mandrel provides support for the friction stir welding process.

Out-of-position friction stir welding of high melting temperature alloys

A modified method of friction stir welding of members applying a non-consumable rotating probe further comprises a preheating of the assembled members prior to the welding operation. A welding apparatus is also disclosed provided with a primary heat source attached to the probe, preferentially a high frequency moving induction coil.

Modified friction stir welding

In the friction agitation joining method according to the present invention, two plate-shaped joining members different in thickness, or a first joining member (1) and a second joining member (2), are butted against each other with a level difference formed at upper surface sides thereof. A rotating probe (42) of the joining tool (40) is inserted into the butted portion (3) of said first and second joining members (1,2) from the upper surface sides thereof. Joining-direction front sides of the first joining member (1) and the second joining member (2) with respect to the probe inserted position is pressed by a first front pressing roller (11) and a second front pressing roller (11), respectively, from the upper surface sides thereof. Furthermore, joining-direction lower sides of the first joining member (1) and the second joining member (2) with respect to a probe inserted position from said upper surface sides is pressed by a first lower pressing roller (21) and a second lower pressing roller (22), respectively, from the upper surface sides thereof. In this state, the butted portion (3) is joined by the friction agitation joining method.

Friction agitation joining method, method for manufacturing joined butted members, and friction agitation joining apparatus

Friction stir welding of metal matrix composites, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys using a superabrasive tool

The invention concerns a friction stir welding method according to which the workpieces (2, 3) to be welded are positioned on a work-table (7) and by means of clamping means (5, 6) clamped to one another and/or to the work-table during the welding. A rotating welding means (12, 13) is arranged to move along a joint between the workpieces while being pressed against said workpieces during the welding. Additional heat is supplied to the joint prior to and/or during the welding operation, in excess of the frictional heat generated in the joint from the rotation of the welding means and of any other heat that may be supplied to the joint in any other manner by the welding means. The invention likewise concerns an apparatus for friction stir welding, comprising a heating element (70) for supply of additional heat to the joint prior to and/or during the welding operation, in excess of the frictional heat generated in the joint from the rotation of the welding means and of any other heat that may be supplied to the joint in any other manner by the welding means.

Anders Malm

Papers

Method and apparatus for friction stir welding