TWI

Two techniques developed on TWI's "RoboStir" system, robotic floating-bobbin friction stir welding (RFBFSW) and robotic stationary shoulder friction stir welding (RSSFSW), are described and some results from welding trials are presented. The RFBFSW technique incorporated a bobbin tool machined from MP159 Ni-Co alloy and other tool components manufactured from H13 tool steel. Butt joints were fabricated from AA 6082-T6 aluminium alloy components and characterised by macrography as well as surface bend and cross tensile mechanical tests. The RSSFSW procedure was applied to lap and butt welding of AA 6082-T6 sheets (thickness 3 or 1.1 mm), lids in boxes and thin copper sheets (thickness 0.85 mm).

10th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2014, Session 3A: Applications, Paper 04