Friction Stir Welding

Friction Stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process (the metal is not melted) and is used when the original metal characterisitics must remain unchanged as much as possible. It mechanically intermixes the two pieces of metal at the place of the join, then softens them so the metal can be fused using mechanical pressure, much like joining clay, dough or plasticine.

The principle and benefits of FSW
We feed a rotating shouldered, welding tool in to the parent materials to be joined at a controlled rate until the shoulder is in contact with the parent material. The process creates a frictional heat which transforms the material into a plastic state. The tool then traverses along the joint area to create the weld. Due to the reduced temperature that this process develops, the welded joint is significantly stronger than any other form of welding. FSW has been used overseas for more than 20 years in the marine, aeronautic, automative and aerospace markets. Contact us if you think you may have a requirement for this production welding process.

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) at Tasman
At Tasman we have developed a form of FSW that can weld Aluminium to Copper, the applications for this are numerous. There can be huge cost advantages in removing costly Copper from electrical componentry by welding it to a more cost-effective Aluminium alternative. Both saving material cost and weight. We have developed and manufactured our own tooling for Aluminium to Copper and Aluminium to Aluminium.