TWI Digital Library

Shipbuilding applications of friction stir welding in the production of prefabricated aluminium alloy sections are described. Panels of up to 13 x 16 m, thickness 3-7 mm, may be produced with close tolerances and good surface finish, reducing cost and assembly time in the shipyard. Quality assurance includes visual inspection, random radiography checks and mechanical tests of samples cut from panels.

1st International Symposium, 14-16 Jun 1999, Session 02: Applications 1, Paper 02