Friction stir welding

Friction stir welding makes it possible to join light metals such as aluminium and aluminium alloys without applying large amounts of heat or using additional materials or inert gases. The basic idea is simple but effective, involving a rotating tool with a special profile that creates frictional heat and moves along the seam joining two workpieces. The process plasticizes the material, which is stirred by the tool and at the same time pressed together. Depending on the material and component in question, working speeds of up to four metres per minute can be achieved. The material can be between 0.5 and 30 millimetres thick.

The process offers enormous advantages:

The resulting joints are stronger and more durable than those of conventional welding processes.

In many cases, the workpieces no longer require pre-treatment or aftertreatment.

Friction stir welding makes it possible to create gastight and pressure-tight seams between workpieces.

The low thermal stress also makes it possible to join thin sheets.
The tools are subject to little wear and tear, which is why they rarely need to be replaced.

The welds are made with great precision and can easily be reproduced.
The process produces low amounts of emissions and therefore does not pose a danger to the workers or the environment.