Friction stir welding machine and method
US6554175B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K20/1255
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth. The roller support is pivotally mounted to the spindle and has a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to both an axis of rotation of the rollers and the axis of rotation of the tool. The work supporting table of the friction stir welding machine has a vacuum hold down system for securing the parts to the table.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.