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Friction Stir Welding
Definition
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state metal joining process producing high-strength, defect-free joints in metallic materials. The process employs a pin tool with a low rotational speed and applied pressure that "mechanically stirs" two parent materials together to produce a uniform weld. NCAM has three machines for FSW called the Universal Weld Systems or UWS 1-3, in the order in which they were installed.
Universal Weld System #1 (UWS1)
Machine Type
- MTS 6 axis of motion weld head
Capacity
- 16 ft. x 21.5 ft. x 10 ft. of linear motion
- 2 axis of gimbal motion of the weld head
- 30 ft. rotary table with one rotational degree of freedom
Features
- Capable of fixed pin / retractable pin / self reacting Friction Stir Welds
- Combined axis of motion allows for complex curvature
welding
- Latest controlled/programming system
- One of the largest, most advanced FSW machines in the world
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| UWS1 overhead view showing turntable. Circa 2003. Image Credit: LMSSC-MO. |
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UWS1 with dome panels on the turntable. Circa 2003. Image Credit: LMSSC-MO. |
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