An apparatus for forming a friction weld

A method for forming a welded joint, the method comprising a support arrangement;

• providing a consumable element having a first joining face;
• mounting the consumable element in a mounting location of a holding member so that the first joining face is exposed, wherein the consumable element is rotatable with respect to the holding member about a first centre of rotation;
• providing a first workpiece having an attachment face;
• aligning the attachment face of the first workpiece with the first joining face of the consumable element;
• and
• rotating the holding member, or moving the holding member along an arcuate path, so that the first centre of rotation travels in an orbital motion, thus generating frictional forces between the attachment face of the first workpiece and the first joining face of the consumable element.

A method of friction surfacing, comprising the steps of:

• providing an elongate consumable element having a first joining face;
• mounting the consumable element in a mounting location of a holding member so that the first joining face is exposed, wherein the consumable element is rotatable with respect to the holding member about a first centre of rotation;
• providing a surface;
• aligning the surface with the first joining face of the consumable element;
• and
• rotating the holding member, or moving the holding member along an arcuate path, so that the first centre of rotation travels in an orbital motion, thus generating frictional forces between the surface and the first joining face of the consumable element.