Consumable tool friction stir processing of metal surfaces
US8603571B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2011 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/18
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The surface composition of a metal article may be modified by depositing a coating layer material of a different composition from a consumable tool which is urged against the article surface while being rotated about an axis generally normal to the surface. The frictional heating resulting from rotation of the tool under applied pressure increases the temperature of the article-contacting portion of the tool so that it adheres to and bonds to the magnesium alloy article. In an embodiment the tool material is selected to be more corrosion-resisting than or sacrificial to the substrate metal alloy. In another embodiment the tool material is selected to react with the magnesium surface to form a more corrosion-resistant coating or a sacrificial layer. In another embodiment a holemaking cutting tool may be incorporated in to the consumable tool to enable fabrication of a hole with a surrounding, more corrosion-resistant annular surface. Further processing of the article with its coating layer may include: buffing, burnishing, or polishing the layer; and heat treatment to promote diffusion of the layer composition into the article composition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.