Friction stir welding FSW

Simple basic principle

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a mechanical joining process carried out in the solid state. The materials are joined not by locally melting the parts to be joined, but by stirring the plasticised materials together. A rotating tool is pressed into the components to be welded and joins them without the use of filler materials.

1

Immersion of the rotating tool into the workpieces and preheating

2

Welding workpieces under constant pressure using a rotating tool and translational motion

3

Retracting the tool

Maximum strength, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Different material thicknesses and mixed-material joints are welded with minimal distortion and a tight seal.

The innovative thermomechanical welding process is suitable for both existing applications and innovative new solutions. Cost-effective from small-scale to large-scale production. Applications range from plant engineering to aerospace technology.

Key success factors

  • Maximum strength, both static and cyclic
  • Minimal distortion and low residual welding stresses
  • Porous-free, vacuum-tight welds
  • Maximum process reliability through specialized NC systems
  • Complex geometries can be realized
  • A wide variety of combinations of material thicknesses and materials (aluminum, copper, steel)
  • Material-friendly joining due to minimal microstructural changes
  • Environmentally friendly due to low energy consumption, no additives, and no emissions