Method and apparatus for friction stir welding
US7150389B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K20/126
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention concerns a friction stir welding method according to which the workpieces (2, 3) to be welded are positioned on a worktable (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 work pieces 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 hat 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 heat 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.