Rotary and linear friction welding can be used for joining high-strength or wear resistant alloys as they are used in military high-performance applications. The rotary friction welding process can be exploited for the following applications:
- Track rollers for tracked vehicles
- Bimetallic tipping of projectiles and armour piercing shells
- Machine gun barrel liners
- Fuse liners (e.g. joining of thin-wall deep-drawn canisters to thick-wall tubular rings)
Friction surfacing can be used for depositing corrosion resistant layers on high-strength aluminium alloys. Modern aluminium alloys now being considered for the manufacture of aluminium tanks often have insufficient corrosion properties and need cladding to fulfil the demands of the army.
Radial friction welding has been developed for the attachment of driving bands to artillery shells. For this application, a gilding metal ring is compressed onto the outer diameter of a rotating steel shell. The weld time is approximately 15 seconds. The joint quality can be assessed by ultrasonic inspection using P-scan.
Friction stud welding procedures have been developed for military rockets. The studs are used to keep the solid fuel of the rocket in place and maintain distance between the shells of the rocket.
For more information please email contactus@twi.co.uk.