3. Features

3.1 Equipment

Maintaining the position of the tool in relation to the surface of the metal sheets during its movement is accompanied by significant mechanical forces which are transmitted to the welding head support and to the workpiece holding fixture, which must include a reaction bar in line with the joint to contain the tool's mobile support and penetration force.

On the other hand, the flow of viscous metal from the front to the rear of the tool hinders its progress.

The application of the FSW process therefore requires machine-tool-type mechanization, similar to a milling installation, providing the classic functions of supporting and moving the welding head (figure