Patent · US Expired

Friction stir welding method

US6866181B2 · kind B2 · utility

34Cited by
13References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 6, 2003
Grant dateMar 15, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 10, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K20/122
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

There is provided a method capable of decreasing a friction force in friction stir welding, in which a welding tool is used. In a method of friction stir welding workpieces together by rotating and pressingly plugging a welding tool, formed from a harder material than the workpieces, into a weld zone of the workpieces and moving the welding tool relatively in a welding direction, a power supply device allows a current to flow between the welding tool 1 and the workpieces to cause resistance heating of the welding tool. Combined use of resistance heating makes it possible to decrease a friction force. Preferably, a conductive ceramic is coated on surfaces of the welding tool to cause resistance heating.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.