| ESAB has extended its product
programme to include machines for the Friction Stir Welding
method (FSW). This method has been developed and patented
by TWI in the UK.
The FSW method is based on the principle of obtaining sufficiently
high temperatures to forge two aluminium components, using
a rotating tool which moves along the joint.
Using the FSW method, aluminium components are joined together
without increasing the temperature above melting point.
ESAB's SuperStir™ programme includes
a variety of machines developed from a standardized ESAB
SuperStir™ base unit and with working ranges of 0.5
x 1.5 m up to 10x20 m within the same concept. The programme
also includes models of the gantry type of different kinds.
The Friction Stir Welding of aluminium
has been shown to produce joints with high-strength values
and without inclusions and impurities.
Bending tests and tensile tests have been conducted with
superb results. The fatigue properties are outstanding compared
with other welding methods.
Furthermore, the joint is almost free from stress and has
a perfect root surface when welded from one side. This results
in a minimum of supplementary work.
Friction Stir Welding is ideal for joining straight profiles
and flat plates with a thickness of 1.2-25 mm. When welding
materials with a thickness of more than 15 mm, the welding
is done from both sides. The maximum thickness is around
60 mm at 100% penetration.
Suitable applications:
• Shipbuilding
• Offshore platforms
• Air craft industry
• Space industry
• Railway wagons, trams, underground train carriages
• Automotive industry
• Brewing industry
• Bridge building
• Production of electric motors
• Defence industry
• Cooling elements.
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