Method of friction stir welding and retractable shoulderless variable penetration friction stir welding tool for same
US7234626B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K20/1255
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of friction stir welding and a non-consumable retractable shoulderless variable penetration friction stir welding tool. The tool includes a substantially cylindrical body portion, a head portion, and a tip section, each integral to the tool. The body portion has a longitudinal axis about which it is rotable, a diameter, a sidewall substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The head portion is located at the distal end of the body portion. The head portion has a base with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the body portion thereby forming a smooth transition between the body portion and the head portion, thus, the tool has no shoulder. The head portion includes a face that converges to the tip section. The tool is retractable, reduces overheating, improves weld quality by reducing internal voids and lack of fusion, and facilitates variable penetration welds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.