Resistance heated stir welding
AssigneeAluminum Company of America
InventorsDonald J. Spinella, Eric T. Streicher, Raymond Kastelic
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for welding together two workpieces includes the steps of abutting workpieces together along respective edges of each of the workpieces, and locating one end of a rotatable tool astride the edges and against the workpieces. The tool is provided with a relatively narrow pin extending from the working end of the tool to engage the workpiece edges. The tool and pin are rotated to heat the workpiece edges, and the tool and workpieces are relatively moved. Electric current is supplied between the workpiece edges and the pin, with electrical resistance occurring between the workpiece edges and pin to provide heat in addition to the heat generated by friction occurring between the pin and workpieces to weld the workpieces together.
Claims8
A method of welding two workpieces together, the method comprising:
- abutting the workpieces together along a respective edge of each workpiece;
- locating one end of a rotatable tool astride the edges and against the workpieces, said tool having a relatively narrow pin extending from the one end of said tool disposed to engage the workpiece edges;
- rotating said tool and pin to heat the workpieces edges;
- relatively moving said tool and workpieces longitudinally along the workpiece edges;
- directing electrical current between the workpiece edges and pin, and
- using electrical resistance occurring between the workpieces and pin to provide additional heat to the workpiece edges for welding the two workpieces together.
Apparatus for welding two workpieces together, comprising:
- a tool having one end for engaging the workpieces and a pin extending therefrom to engage abutting edges of the workpieces;
- means for rotating said tool and pin;
- means for relatively moving the workpieces and tool along the abutting edges of the workpieces, and
- means for applying electrical current serially to the pin and edges of said workpieces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.