Methods and apparatus for retractable pin friction stir welding and spot welding
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKurt A. Burton, Michael P. Matlack
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Abstract
An apparatus for friction stir welding is described that includes a stationary assembly having a bore therethrough, the bore having an inner diameter, and a rotational assembly having a welding end. At least the welding end of the rotational assembly extends through the bore. A portion of the rotational assembly is adjacent the inner diameter of the bore. At least one of the adjacent portion of the rotational assembly and the inner diameter of the stationary assembly are configured such that rotation of the rotational assembly will cause plasticized material from a welding process that has entered an area between the adjacent portion and the inner diameter to move towards a welding zone located proximate the welding end.
Claims15
A friction stir welding apparatus comprising:
- a non-rotational assembly comprising a bore therethrough, said bore defining an inner diameter;
- and
- a rotational assembly comprising a welding end, at least said welding end of said rotational assembly extending through said bore, a portion of the remainder of said rotational assembly comprising a cylindrical surface that is adjacent said inner diameter,
- said inner diameter comprising material control threading having a plurality of threads arranged along a line substantially parallel to the rotational assembly;
- and
- said cylindrical surface comprising a smooth surface such that rotation of said rotational assembly will cause plasticized material from a welding process that has entered an area between the cylindrical surface and said inner diameter to move towards a welding zone located proximate said welding end.
A friction stir welding apparatus comprising:
- a rotational assembly comprising an outer diameter that defines a substantially cylindrical surface;
- and
- a non-rotational assembly comprising a bore therethrough that defines an inner surface, the inner surface substantially adjacent to a portion of the substantially cylindrical surface of said rotational assembly,
- said inner surface comprising material control threading having a plurality of threads arranged along a line substantially parallel to the rotational assembly in a direction opposite a direction of rotation of said rotational assembly, and
- the adjacent portion of the substantially cylindrical surface having a smooth surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.