Machine Talk Blog

Friction Stir Welding is another friction welding technique that has beneficially impacted the aerospace, transportation and electronics industries. Like other friction welding processes, friction stir welding uses frictional heat and force to forge materials together creating extremely high-quality, solid-state joints.

Linear friction welding is a solid-state joining process that uses relative motion and high force in order to create enough heat to create a two-piece forging. In linear friction welding, one part is moved back and forth rapidly in a linear reciprocating motion while the other part is forced into it, generating enough heat between the two parts to forge them together.

Inertia friction welding is a variation of the rotary friction welding process. Inertia friction welding uses kinetic energy with applied force to join parts together. The kinetic energy is achieved by the use of flywheels, a set of heavy rotating wheels that are used to store rotational energy. 

Rotary friction welding is a flexible technique that can provide many advantages over traditional fusion welding processes. In order to use the rotary friction welding process, you must have one part that is symmetric around its rotating axis. The non-rotating component, can also be symmetrical but does not have to be.

There are three main types of rotary friction welding—Inertia, direct drive and hybrid friction welding. Each technique offers a unique advantage depending upon the type of materials being welded as well as the shape or geometries of the materials. Let’s take a look at some application examples.

Traditionally, welding is known as a fabrication process that joins materials by causing fusion. While many methods of welding involve an energy source such as a gas flame, electric arc or a laser; friction welding does not. Friction welding is actually a forging technique. It involves generating heat with relative motion and high force. The result is friction between two materials, generating heat to soften them and join them together.