Overview
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Roland CAZES: Engineer from the École supérieure d'électricité - Former Technical Director of Sciaky
INTRODUCTION
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is the name given in the UK to a continuous friction welding process which was patented in 1991 by The Welding Institute (TWI). Originally simply "Improvements relating to friction welding", the process did not stop developing until ten years later:
more than 400 patents have been filed in the UK, Europe, the USA and worldwide (including over 200 in Japan, none in France), demonstrating the activity generated by the interest it has aroused;
some 60 different organizations (manufacturers, institutes, users) have acquired the license;
a dozen manufacturers offer appropriate equipment;
Several industrial applications are currently underway, including the spectacular welding of rocket fuel tanks.
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Friction stir welding
Process description
Bibliography
Also in our database
Organizations
Most of the data concerning the process can be found at the British Welding Institute, TWI, and the French Welding Institute, IS.
The process is currently the subject of numerous research and development programs financed by companies and institutes, some of which are French (aeronautics, railways, etc.). They cover all aspects of the process: scientific, technological, economic and practical. All...
Websites
The following websites may also be consulted:
http://www.twi.co.uk of the TWI Institute (Great Britain).
http://www.eurostir.co.uk on the EUROSTIR program, part of the EUREKA framework on the process. The Eurostir...
Machine builders
(non-exhaustive list)
The main manufacturers of friction stir welding machines are listed below.
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