Methodology for qualifying a Friction Stir Welding equipment

Abstract

The objective of this research work is the industrialization of the friction stir welding process in order to provide tools to industrials to select and qualify a machine for their FSW applications. This paper presents a methodology to determine the Friction Stir Welding equipment adequate to an application. The adequate equipment can be every machine that can perform friction stir welds. This paper presents a short review, based on literature survey, of the existing friction stir welding equipments. Then, the methodology developed is presented. It is based on the studying of the interactions between the tool and the workpiece.