Machine Talk Blog

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.

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.

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?

There's a reason you clicked on this blog.

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.

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.

Friction Welding has become the premier choice for companies looking to join dissimilar metals.  Because Friction Welding is a solid-state joining process that does not require melting, it allows for the bonding of two metals, such as Copper and Aluminum, that may be impossible to join with more traditional welding techniques.

With fusion welding processes like MIG and TIG welding, it can be challenging to join dissimilar metals because they often differ substantially in composition and physical, mechanical and metallurgical properties.

The 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show is September 12-17, 2016 in Chicago, IL and MTI will be there! We’ll be in the North Building, B Hall (Fabricating & Lasers), Booth N-6014 where we’ll discuss our friction welding technologies and how they can improve your manufacturing processes. Specifically, MTI will be talking about Bi-Metallic Friction Welding and how it sets us apart in the joining industry.

 Whiteboard Wednesday Video Series

One of the key differentiators between friction welding and other welding techniques is the ability to join dissimilar metals or two different materials that may be impossible to join by other techniques. Doing so is a cost effective way of getting the benefits from both materials. Typically we can use any of the friction welding technologies to weld dissimilar metals, and the following are some common bi-metallic combinations and applications: