Abstract: A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth.

Abstract: A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth.

Abstract: A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth.

Abstract: A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth.