Spin or Stir: Automated Friction Welding Grows in Popularity

The process of joining metals using friction-generated heat originated in the early 1900s in the form of rotary friction welding (RFW). A variation on that concept, friction stir welding (FSW), was patented in the 1990s. Both processes are highly effective in selected applications. In fact, the use of fully automated FSW and RFW systems is gaining popularity in industry sectors ranging from automotive electric vehicle (EV) production to truck axles, hydraulic cylinders and oil and gas exploration.

In friction stir welding, a rotating tool with a central pin generates heat as it spins and moves along a joint between two components, plasticizing the materials being joined. The resulting bond is defect-free and strong, uses no filler material and requires little post-processing. 

In the rotary friction welding process two parts of circular cross section are brought together, one rotating and one held stationery, until the parent materials soften and plasticize. The application of forge force during or after part rotation completes the weld. The pressure on the workpieces displaces the softened material and a permanent molecular bond occurs across the entire joining area.

Robotic-based FSW systems, such as those from KUKA Robotics, are engineered to support high process efficiency in terms of low investment costs, maximum versatility and multiple configuration options. KUKA FSW systems offer consistent reliability and repeatability that are essential in manufacturing environments.

KUKA robotic FSW systems utilize six-axis robots that provide modularity and flexibility needed to carry out 2D and 3D welding tasks. The systems represent scalable solutions and provide high efficiency (up to 95 percent) via the use of multiple workstations that permit simultaneous welding by several robots for complex larger components. KUKA path calibration technology generates path accuracy up to 0.5 mm.

KUKA FSW application modules offer system integrators and end users maximum flexibility, permitting use of heavy-duty robots with process-specific software and hardware additions and expansions. The company’s KUKA Cell4_FSW module is engineered for use with the KR500 R2830 FORTEC MT robot with a KR C4 controller and FSW 3 spindle with spindle cooling.

The KR 500 FORTEC provides 6-axis flexibility with 2,830 mm - 3,326 mm of reach, load capacity of 340 kg - 500 kg, and repeatability of 0.08 mm. The integrated FSW spindle enables a force-controlled FSW process.

The Cell4_FSW package is Industry 4.0 ready, with interfaces based on OPC UA for easy data exchange. KUKA specifically developed the PCD (Process Control and Documentation) system for continuous-path FSW processes. PCD provides 100 percent real-time process monitoring as well as tracking of numerical and graphical parameters. It also delivers component and product data management and export, process diagnostics, electronic documentation and archiving of all process data.

Offering connectivity to cloud systems, KUKA PCD ensures high productivity and traceable quality and data transparency. KUKA Cell4_FSW friction welding cells are seeing increased use for battery and electronics housings in the growing EV market.

Longtime welding equipment manufacturer Thompson, now part of KUKA, has more than 60 years experience in developing and manufacturing a wide selection of standard and special friction welding machinery.

Thompson’s products are designed for automatically welding an extensive variety of parts, ranging from small diameter components such as engine valves and electrical connectors, to medium diameter parts including drive shafts and hydraulic cylinders, and also large diameter assemblies such as API drill pipes and trailer axle tubes.