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Friction processes - Welding, surfacing and dissimilar material joining

Back to Welding, Joining and Cutting Linear Friction Welding Rotary Friction Welding Friction Stir Welding, FSW, Wayne Thomas and Solid State Welding at TWI,
 

Friction welding is a solid state process that uses mechanical friction to create a weld between two parts without melting them. Typically, one part is rotated or oscillated against another, stationary part, creating heat through friction which softens the materials at the interface so that they bond under pressure. The exact details of the process differ according to which type of friction welding machines and method you use.

Types of Friction Welding

  • Rotary Friction Welding: One part rotates at high speed and is pressed against a stationary part to form the join
  • Linear Friction Welding: One part is oscillated quickly against another while under a high compressive force
  • Friction Stir Welding: A non-consumable, rotating tool travels along the joint line, using friction to heat and ‘stir’ the materials together

Press Releases

Find out more about friction welding at TWI:

Research 1

RESURGAM Project: Friction Stir Welding for Shipbuilding

Investigating friction stir welding for ship manufacture and repair.

Learn more
Research 2

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of Aluminium for the Rail Industry

Researching FSW as a safe, cost-effective solution for railcar manufacture.

Learn more
Research 3

Linear Friction Welding (LFW) for Areospace Engine Fittings

Cost-saving solutions for aerospace component manufacture

Learn more

Core Research Programme (CRP) and Joint Industry Projects (JIP)

Core Research

Each year the TWI Core Research Programme (CRP) addresses challenges on behalf of our Industrial Members as well as developing specific technologies and processes. Each of the projects under the CRP is focussed on engineering, materials or manufacturing technologies, including diffusion bonding.

Find out more here

Joint Industry Projects

TWI also conducts Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) that bring together groups of Industrial Members to share the cost of research activities in areas of mutual industrial interest, gaining exclusive access to the outcomes. These projects cover a broad range of topics, including diffusion bonding.

Find out more here

Applications

Friction welding has found a wide range of applications across industry, from automotive and aerospace parts and structures to marine fittings, cutting tools, and smaller electrical connections.

As a solid state welding process, friction welding can be used to join a range of metal combinations, including dissimilar materials.

Different types of friction welding lend themselves to different applications due to their distinct capabilities, welding speeds, parameters, and more.

Friction Welding at TWI

TWI has been at the forefront of solid phase friction welding and processing technology for decades. Remaining active and innovative in welding research and development since the 1960s, we are responsive to industry needs, providing friction welding consultancy services to all industry sectors.

Our support for industry includes advice on component design, process selection and application, quality assurance, troubleshooting, feasibility and pre-production trials, and prototype equipment development. We can also offer short production runs and subcontract welding services.

TWI has been responsible for many key innovations and developments in solid phase joining, including the invention of friction stir welding and the development of linear friction welding into a mature joining process for turbine blades.

Our technical excellence and deep expertise in all aspects of friction welding is available to our Industrial Members to provide innovative, bespoke solutions as well as offering advice and support on everything from dissimilar metal joining to how friction welding can offer cost-effective manufacturing solutions for a range of industry needs.

If you have any questions or enquiries about how TWI can help you with your friction welding needs, please email contactus@twi.co.uk.

For more information please email:


contactus@twi.co.uk