Linear Friction Welding (LFW) is an established niche technology applied by world leading gas turbine aircraft engine manufacturers to fabricate bladed disk (blisk) assemblies.
The main challenges are associated with the surface area that can be welded, due to the high forces required, and the control of welding parameters to ensure accuracy of the finished part. TWI has been involved in projects to manufacture blisks, to use LFW for additive manufacture and in the development of hydraulically actuated machines of varying sizes to serve the growing aerospace market.
TWI has been involved with LFW for over 30 years, and it is at the forefront of process development with the research & development community, the machine manufacturers and industrial end users.
TWI has been working closely with major aerospace companies to develop LFW for additive manufacture in Ti alloys.
TWI has worked with most of the large aeroengine companies in the manufacture of blisks producing high accuracy product.
For more information see Joining Technologies or please email contactus@twi.co.uk.