TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 1036/2013
By Xingguo Wei
Background
TWI has developed a technique called floating bobbin friction stir welding (FBFSW), which uses a bobbin shaped tool and penetrates the material to be joined from the edge. The bobbin tool is allowed to float in the tool holder as it welds so it naturally takes up a position where the forces on the top and bottom shoulder are equal as the tool traverses. This feature eliminates the need for the FSW machine to exert a down force.
Industrial Challenge
If a floating bobbin tool could be operated by a robot, this would greatly expand the potential applications of FSW for thin section complex three dimensional components.
Key Findings
- Sound welds made in thin section materials (3mm) using floating bobbin tools on less rigid machine platform
- Sound welds made in different alloy grade (6xxx and 5xxx)
- Sound welds made in flat and curved components