Friction stir welding gains industry's acceptance
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state joining process used in numerous applications where the metal characteristics need to be kept intact as much as possible. It is a fast, clean and highly reproducible technology particularly suitable for joining of materials of low melting points. In addition, it is less consuming in welding times and consumable costs by comparison with other techniques, such as fusion welding. Moreover, it doesn't require any special skills for its operation and its adoption promotes safety in the working environment. Despite its technical, economic and social advantages it has not yet gained the wide acceptance of industry. Urged on by this, the DIPLOMAT project focused on developing a flexible and low cost interactive process technology database and suitable design guidelines. The database provides the user with unique capabilities of easy and rapid identification of the most suitable FSW tool design and process parameters for a given application. The design guidelines can enable industries to implement the FSW process in the most appropriate way in order to generate high quality welded products. The adoption of the efficient, high quality, environmentally friendly FSW technology in production may enable industries to reduce the time-to-market and manufacturing costs. Additionally, offering FSW services could significantly increase potential applications particularly for European industries. On the basis of a reliable FSW system, the DIPLOMAT consortium set the framework for a joint venture for providing services for both internal and external clients. Potential clientele may include train, civil construction or any other industrial activities involving light alloys in their products.
