Deposition head for friction stir additive manufacturing devices and methods

A method of joining two parts comprising:

• advancing a friction stir additive manufacturing device along a weld line between a first work-piece and a second work-piece, the friction stir additive manufacturing device configured to deposit a filler material, the friction stir additive manufacturing device comprising a spindle and a deposition head configured to receive at least a portion of the spindle, the deposition head configured to remain stationary relative to the spindle;
• rotating the spindle of the device while advancing the device along the weld line;
• depositing the filler material along the weld line;
• shaping the filler material into a defined weld profile using an inner curved surface of the deposition head;
• and
• joining the first work-piece and the second work-piece together.

A method of joining a first part and a second part comprising:

• advancing a friction stir additive manufacturing device along a weld line between a first work-piece and a second work-piece, the friction stir additive manufacturing device configured to deposit a filler material and comprising a deposition head comprising:
• a first semi-cylindrical portion having an inner radius and an outer radius relative to a first axis, and
• a second semi-cylindrical portion having an inner radius and an outer radius relative to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, the second semi-cylindrical portion having a curved inner surface configured to define a weld profile,
• depositing the filler material along the weld line;
• and
• joining the first work-piece and the second work-piece together.