Friction forming
AssigneeThe Welding Institute
InventorsWayne M. Thomas, Edward D. Nicholas, Stephen B. Jones, Roger H. Lilley, Christopher J. Dawes, Richard E. Dolby
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of forming a plug-like member comprises placing a consumable member (4) in a bore (1) of a workpiece (2). The consumable member (4) is rotated relative to the workpiece (2) while they are urged together so as to generate frictional heat and the formation of plasticised material (5). The plasticised material (5) is allowed to solidify so as to form a plug-like member having an outer surface conforming to the inner surface of at least part of the bore (1). The plug-like member is either left in situ or, following formation of the complete plug-like member, removed from the workpiece.
Claims22
A method of forming a plug-like member, the method comprising placing a consumable member (4) in a bore (1) of a substrate (2), wherein said bore defines a wall around said consumable member, and wherein a clearance is left between said consumable member and said wall;
- causing relative movement between the consumable member (4) and the substrate (2) while urging them together to generate frictional heat and fully plasticising said consumable member across said bore in a plasticised region which progresses along the consumable member in a direction opposite to the urging direction;
- allowing the plasticised material (5) to solidify so as to form the plug like member having an outer surface conforming to the inner surface of at least part of the bore (1);
- and either leaving the plug-like member in situ or, following formation of the complete plug-like member, removing the substrate.
A plug-like member which has been formed by placing a consumable member in a bore of a substrate, wherein said bore defines a wall around said consumable member, and wherein a clearance is left between said consumable member and said wall;
- causing relative movement between the consumable member and the substrate while urging them together to generate frictional heat and fully plasticising said consumable member across said bore in a plasticised region which progresses along the consumable member in a direction opposite to the urging direction;
- allowing the plasticised material to solidify so as to form the plug like member having an outer surface conforming to the inner surface of at least part of the bore;
- and either leaving the plug-like member in situ or, following formation of the complete plug-like member, removing the substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.