The world of friction welding is vast -- and so is the vocabulary used to describe it! We've compiled a list of the most commonly used friction welding terms -- from machine components to MTI's processes -- to help you grow your engineering mind!
The Friction Welding Dictionary
Topics: Friction Welding, Manufacturing Services, News, Linear Friction Welding, Friction Stir Welding, Aerospace, Rotary Friction Welding, Automotive, Low Force Friction Welding
How Can Low Force Friction Welding Improve The Automotive Industry?
Topics: Automotive, Low Force Friction Welding, Frequently Asked Questions
In many ways, the Automotive industry is one of the most diverse and unique industries that MTI serves. Though the projects don't involve sending spacecraft into orbit like some of our Aerospace jobs, the demands of this ever-changing industry keep us on our toes and inspire us to keep thinking ahead.
Simplicity, Efficiency, and Peace of Mind: The Story Behind SPARTAN
Topics: Rotary Friction Welding, Direct Drive Friction Welding, Spartan
MTI has gained global recognition for designing and building the most advanced, customized friction welding machines—including the world’s largest inertia friction welder.
While we are proud of building the largest rotary and linear friction welders in the world, we have also designed and built hundreds of smaller friction welding machines.
And that’s where the SPARTAN product line comes in, providing a high quality and cost-effective solution.
How Can MTI Work With My Budget to Fit My Needs?
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Spartan, Service & Spare Parts
Even though 2020 is now behind us, many of the financial challenges that emerged during the unprecedented year continue to impact operational budgets in 2021 and beyond.
Pivot.
Of all the buzzwords that emerged from the unprecedented year of 2020 (think: quarantine, social distancing, etc.) no word feels more relevant to our MTI family than "pivot."
Whiteboard Wednesday: Understanding Weld Development
Topics: Whiteboard Wednesday, Linear Friction Welding, Aerospace
It's true - no two friction welding applications are the same. But no matter the part, the intent or the industry, there is one common goal we hope to achieve with each project we handle: create a component that is fit-for-purpose and can be ultimately joined on a production machine.
So, how do we accomplish this?
Low Force Friction Welding -- What is it?
Topics: Low Force Friction Welding
Using our friction welding and solid state joining know-how, MTI has developed, designed, and manufactured low force friction welding machines that are operating in industry today.
What Is Rotational Low Force Friction Welding?
Topics: Low Force Friction Welding
Solid-state welding processes are a group of technologies in which joining is accomplished without melting the individual substrates. In these processes, bonding is accomplished by a combination of heating and forging. Heating is used to both lower the flow stresses enabling forging, as well as promote diffusion between the individual substrates. Common variations of these processes include flash-butt, upset, projection, and mash-seam welding, as well as friction-based welding processes such as direct-drive, inertia, and linear friction welding.
Low Force vs. Traditional Friction Welding: Which One Is Right For Your Project?
Topics: News, Low Force Friction Welding
For decades, MTI has successfully joined hundreds of applications across multiple industries using our traditional friction welding process. However, with the introduction of our newest solid-state joining technology, Low Force Friction Welding, you may now be wondering whether it's time to consider switching to Low Force - even if you've relied on our traditional process for years.
Can My Part Be Joined With Rotary Friction Welding?
Topics: News, Rotary Friction Welding
Friction Welding for Electric Vehicles
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Linear Friction Welding, Friction Stir Welding, Rotary Friction Welding, Automotive
Long before the word "Tesla" spurred any thoughts beyond the iconic inventor of the 1800s, companies around the world were relying on friction welding to join their parts. But just as automotive technology has shifted throughout the decades, friction welding has followed right along, aligning with the demands of the modern consumer and commercial vehicle market.
5 Ways Friction Welding Has Helped the Oil & Gas Industry
Topics: Oil & Gas
Friction welding offers a world of possibility for all types of industries, and MTI is a global leader in this highly adaptable technology. Our engineers are continually innovating and creating new solutions to difficult manufacturing challenges.
One place friction welding technology is making a difference, is in the oil and gas industry. With durable welds that can stand up to incredible stress, friction welding is a practical response to the demands that are put on drill pipes, manifold tubes, valves, perf-gun tubes, actuation balls, and more.
What is Plug Welding and How Can It Help the Aerospace Industry?
When you think of friction welding, you likely imagine a highly engineered machine bringing two materials together and performing a solid-state weld using either a rotary, linear or stir motion.
Comparing Low Force Friction Welding to Laser Welding
Topics: News, Low Force Friction Welding
It's a scenario you've likely encountered at least once.
You have two metals you want to join, but you're not sure which welding technology is the best fit for your application.
MTI UK's Manufacturing Services Expands In-House CNC Capabilities
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News
Adding to its continually growing list of value-added offerings, MTI UK's contract friction welding facility has welcomed a new, state-of-the art CNC machine onto its shop floor.
How Does Inertia Friction Welding Work?
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News
From Low Force Friction Welding to Friction Stir Welding, MTI specializes in several different types of friction welding processes. But in this article, we will explore our Inertia Rotary Friction Welding technology and explain how it works and outline how it could be beneficial in your next project.
MTI and EWI Involved In DOE Research Project
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Low Force Friction Welding
MTI is proud to announce its involvement in a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) research project, which focuses on the durability of friction welds created with dissimilar metals.
A Step-By-Step Guide to MTI's Weld Development Process
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News
Practice makes perfect: it’s an old saying, but one that continues to ring true in just about every aspect of life – especially when it comes to manufacturing.
Total indicator runout, or TIR, is a term often used in manufacturing, especially when dealing with rotating parts. Other names include total indicator reading, or more recently, full indicator movement (FIM). TIR is simply the difference between the maximum and minimum values measured across an entire rotating surface about a reference axis.
MTI Adjusts Safety Protocols Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Topics: News
Following a nearly seven-week closure of our buildings amid the COVID-19 pandemic, MTI reopened its doors on May 11 to resume US operations after Indiana's governor deemed it was safe for non-essential manufacturers to do so.
Low Force Friction Welding: FAQs
Topics: Low Force Friction Welding, Frequently Asked Questions
It's our newest technology and has the potential to revolutionize solid-state joining as we know it - Low Force Friction Welding is here to stay and since its inception, we've learned a lot about its potential in all of the industries that MTI serves.
Friction Welded Parts Are All Around Us
You might not realize it yet, but friction welded parts are all around us, from the cars you drive to the planes you fly in.
Here’s a look at some everyday objects you never knew were friction welded:
Friction Welding for Fitness Applications
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Low Force Friction Welding
Friction welding is rooted in a fairly simple, yet effective concept: make good parts great and strong parts even stronger.
Friction Welding Integration in Automated Manufacturing Process
Topics: Automotive, Automation
The future of integration is now. What do I mean by that? I mean, we have seen many examples of how friction welding is seamlessly integrated into an automated manufacturing process. A number of our customers are already working with us and integrating friction welding technology into their production process. Based on their successes, it is the right time to take advantage of this innovative process that leads to (1) process repeatability, (2) improved cycle time, (3) increased production volume, and (4) cost savings.
5 Ways Friction Welding Helps the Automotive Industry
Topics: Automotive, Bi-Metallic
The solid state, forged quality bonded joint offered by friction welding has made it an ideal manufacturing process for the automotive industry. With the ability to create highly durable, customized components for everything from commercial to personal use vehicles, friction welding helps Tier One manufacturers design flexible solutions to ever-changing challenges of the automotive industry.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, we want to ensure our customers understand how MTI is responding to the situation and how the restrictions will impact our business operations in the coming weeks.
Eliminate machine downtime by investing in a Preventative Maintenance Package
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Service & Spare Parts
Whether it's as small as adding a protective case to your new smartphone or as advanced as installing a state-of-the-art security system to monitor your home, it's natural and sensible to want to keep your personal property safe.
Why Metallurgy Should Be a Priority For Your Next Project
Topics: Manufacturing Services, Linear Friction Welding, Friction Stir Welding, Rotary Friction Welding, Low Force Friction Welding
The whir of machines, the beep of a forklift— a manufacturing floor isn't exactly a place you'd go to find some peace and quiet. But nestled among the hustle and bustle of MTI's Manufacturing Services building, you'll find a much quieter place; one that fosters thorough analyses and a methodical evaluation process that's one part science, one part art.
2020. We made it.
The confetti has fallen, the noisemakers have been tucked back into storage, and now, we're left with an unfiltered view of both a new year and a new decade (unless you're one of those people who believes the new decade doesn't begin until 2021, but that's a separate discussion.)
Though MTI is eager to dive head-first into 2020, we first want to pause and reflect on our accomplishments from 2019 – after all, without them, we wouldn't be where we are now!
Whiteboard Wednesday: Accuracy in Blisk Welding
Topics: Whiteboard Wednesday, Linear Friction Welding, Aerospace
Developing and engineering a part for the aerospace industry is no easy task — but then again, why should it be? Companies depend on these parts to help keep passengers and cargo safe each time a plane takes off, lands and every step in between.
Which Friction Welding Technology Is Best For Your Next Aerospace Project?
Topics: Manufacturing Services, Linear Friction Welding, Friction Stir Welding, Aerospace, Rotary Friction Welding, Low Force Friction Welding, Astrospace
Friction welding is not a one-size-fits-all process — that's what makes it such a versatile joining method. It's just as effective for joining components that you can fit in the palm of your hand as it is for joining parts that require a crane to move from one place to another.
Whiteboard Wednesday: Low Force, Low Upset
Topics: Whiteboard Wednesday, Linear Friction Welding, Low Force Friction Welding
Throughout the past few episodes of Whiteboard Wednesdays, we've walked you through some of the key benefits of Low Force Friction Welding.
EWI and MTI to Cooperate in Technology Development of Low Force Friction Welding
Topics: Low Force Friction Welding
Technology innovator EWI is pleased to introduce Manufacturing Technology, Inc, as its newest Strategic Technology Member. Together, EWI and MTI, a leading manufacturer of inertia, direct drive, and hybrid friction welders, will work in collaboration to advance the new hybrid joining technology known as low force friction welding.
MTI's Partnership With Career Academy South Bend Ignites Success
Topics: Eyes of an Engineer, Design A Great Career
If you haven't seen the recent headlines about manufacturing across the Midwest, allow us to summarize: the skills gap is growing.
Whiteboard Wednesday: Low Force And No Interior Flash
Topics: Whiteboard Wednesday, Linear Friction Welding, Low Force Friction Welding
If you've been following along with our Whiteboard Wednesdays series, by now, you are likely beginning to understand some of the key benefits of Low Force Friction Welding.
In this episode, we will walk you through one of the biggest advantages of Low Force — the ability to accomplish little to no interior flash (ID.)
Whiteboard Wednesday: Linear Friction Welding of Blisks
If you peel back the exterior of an airplane, you will find thousands of parts working together to help safely lift the plane into flight. And if you look a little closer, you'll notice some of those parts were joined by friction welding.
MTI has successfully friction-welded dozens of parts for aircraft and the aerospace industry. But perhaps no part is more complicated to take from concept to completion than the blisk.
Eyes of an Engineer: Putting the Pedal to the Metal
Topics: Eyes of an Engineer, Design A Great Career
Jim Hoffman, MTI's Chief Metallurgist, examines a weld at the Sheridan Street lab.
Resting his face against the eyepiece of a microscope, MTI Chief Metallurgist Jim Hoffman meticulously spins a cluster of knobs, gradually bringing a customer’s latest weld into focus. He squints, rotates another dial then shifts his eyes toward his computer. His keyboard clicks rhythmically as he adds to the notes sprawled across his two monitors.
Whiteboard Wednesday: Low Force vs. Traditional Friction Welding
In our last episode of Whiteboard Wednesday, we introduced you to a brand-new style of solid-state joining, Low-Force Friction Welding.
What To Expect When You Call MTI About Your Next Project
You've read our blogs, you've watched our videos and you feel like you have a basic understanding of how friction welding works.
MTI's Manufacturing Services Expands CNC Capabilities
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News
Adding to its growing list of value-added services, MTI’s Manufacturing Services division has welcomed two new CNC machines to its 117-thousand square-foot facility.
Whiteboard Wednesday: A Friction Weld at a Fraction of the Force
Topics: Whiteboard Wednesday, Rotary Friction Welding, Low Force Friction Welding
For decades, MTI has been using friction welding to create unique joining solutions for customers across a variety of industries.
How Friction Welding Can Solve Wear Problems in the Oil Sands Industry
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Oil & Gas
Oil sands production is a tough, demanding operation. The impact loads are earth-shattering, and the often brutally cold temperatures do little to provide any relief to the machinery operating in this highly abrasive environment.
Eyes of an Engineer: When Passions Become a Career
Topics: Eyes of an Engineer, Design A Great Career
Constanza Lengerich (right) chats with controls engineer, Ray Szajko.
Situated in a quiet office on the second floor of MTI’s global headquarters in South Bend, Indiana, Constanza Lengerich carefully examines a new batch of data from her team’s latest weld. The numbers excite and energize her – they signal pivotal progress in the company’s research and development of a new form of solid-state joining, Low-Force Friction Welding.
MTI Rotary Friction Welders Helping Support Aerospace Companies at UK Research Center
Topics: News, Aerospace, Rotary Friction Welding, Automotive
GLASGOW — Two MTI-built rotary friction welding machines have found a new and purposeful home at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), which specializes in innovative manufacturing technologies, metal forming and forging research.
How Friction Welding Helps Achieve Lightweighting in Aerospace & Automotive Industries
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Automotive, Astrospace
When it comes to aerospace and automotive applications, bigger isn't always better. In fact, companies invest a lot of time and money into figuring out how to trim the weight of their critical parts.
Whiteboard Wednesday: Radial Position Control Techniques or Weld Orientation
Topics: Whiteboard Wednesday, Rotary Friction Welding, Direct Drive Friction Welding, Inertia Friction Welding
It's no secret Friction Welding is a highly scientific process; it involves a lot of calculations, engineering and research to get it right. But thanks to the MTI-engineered control system found on each of our friction welding machines, you can trust our technology to do the complex work for you on your shop floor!
Flexible Vacation and Paid Time Off
Topics: Design A Great Career
We understand life's biggest moments don't always wait until the end of the work day. On most occasions, MTI employees can take advantage of a flexible schedule — meaning you can do things like volunteer in your child's classroom or tag along on a field trip without using any time off.
North America's First Linear Friction Welder for Full-Sized Part Development Now Operational in Detroit
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Aerospace, Automotive
DETROIT – The first and only linear friction welder capable of full-sized part development in North America is now fully operational and ready for project work at LIFT - Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow, a national manufacturing innovation facility operated by the American Lightweight Materials Innovation Institute, in Detroit.
Will it Join: Steel and Inconel
Topics: Manufacturing Services, News, Aerospace, Automotive, Bi-Metallic
Steel and Inconel: they look similar, but metallurgically speaking, they’re two very different materials. They melt at different temperatures, they have different densities and their forgeabilities vary greatly.
Learning and Development
Topics: Design A Great Career