Abstract: Devices and methods for performing shear-assisted extrusion processes for forming extrusions of a desired composition from a feedstock material are provided. The processes can use a device having a scroll face having an inner diameter portion bounded by an outer diameter portion, and a member extending from the inner diameter portion beyond a surface of the outer diameter portion. Extrusion feedstocks and extrusion processes are provided for forming extrusions of a desired composition from a feedstock. The processes can include providing a feedstock having at least two different materials and engaging the materials with one another within a feedstock container. Methods for preparing metal sheets are provided that can include preparing a metal tube via shear assisted processing and extrusion; opening the metal tube to form a sheet having a first thickness; and rolling the sheet to a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) tool tip is described. The tool tip comprises a pin portion and a body portion that meet to form a shoulder. The tool tip has a graduated change in composition along its length. In some embodiments, the alloy composition near the end of the pin differs from the alloy composition of the body by at least 0.5% by wt of at least one element. A method of manufacturing a FSW tool tip having a gradual compositional change is also described.

Abstract: Devices and processes for performing shear-assisted extrusion include a rotatable extrusion die with a scroll face configured to draw plasticized material from an outer edge of a billet generally perpendicularly toward an extrusion orifice while the extrusion die assembly simultaneously applies a rotational shear and axial extrusion force to the billet.

Abstract: A process for forming extruded products using a device having a scroll face configured to apply a rotational shearing force and an axial extrusion force to the same preselected location on material wherein a combination of the rotational shearing force and the axial extrusion force upon the same location cause a portion of the material to plasticize, flow and recombine in desired configurations. This process provides for a significant number of advantages and industrial applications, including but not limited to extruding tubes used for vehicle components with 50 to 100 percent greater ductility and energy absorption over conventional extrusion technologies, while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A die tool and process are described that provide friction consolidation fabrication and friction consolidation extrusion fabrication products including permanent magnets, and other extrusion and non-extrusion structures. The present invention overcomes previous particle size, texture, homogeneity and density limitations in conventional metallurgy processes.

Abstract: A shear assisted extrusion process for producing cladded materials wherein a cladding material and a material to be cladded are placed in sequence with the cladded material positioned to contact a rotating scroll face first and the material to be cladded second. The two materials are fed through a shear assisted extrusion device at a preselected feed rate and impacted by a rotating scroll face to generate a cladded extrusion product. This process allows for increased through wall strength and decreases the brittleness in formed structures as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Devices and processes for performing shear-assisted extrusion include a rotatable extrusion die with a scroll face configured to draw plasticized material from an outer edge of a billet generally perpendicularly toward an extrusion orifice while the extrusion die assembly simultaneously applies a rotational shear and axial extrusion force to the billet.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) tool tip is described. The tool tip comprises a pin portion and a body portion that meet to form a shoulder. The tool tip has a graduated change in composition along its length. In some embodiments, the alloy composition near the end of the pin differs from the alloy composition of the body by at least 0.5% by wt of at least one element. A method of manufacturing a FSW tool tip having a gradual compositional change is also described.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) tool tip is described. The tool tip comprises a pin portion and a body portion that meet to form a shoulder. The tool tip has a graduated change in composition along its length. In some embodiments, the alloy composition near the end of the pin differs from the alloy composition of the body by at least 0.5% by wt of at least one element. A method of manufacturing a FSW tool tip having a gradual compositional change is also described.

Abstract: Tools for friction stir welding can be made with fewer process steps, lower cost techniques, and/or lower cost ingredients than other state-of-the-art processes by utilizing improved compositions and processes of fabrication. Furthermore, the tools resulting from the improved compositions and processes of fabrication can exhibit better distribution and homogeneity of chemical constituents, greater strength, and/or increased durability. In one example, a friction stir weld tool includes tungsten and rhenium and is characterized by carbide and oxide dispersoids, by carbide particulates, and by grains that comprise a solid solution of the tungsten and rhenium. The grains do not exceed 10 micrometers in diameter.

Abstract: A die tool and process are described that provide friction consolidation fabrication and friction consolidation extrusion fabrication products including permanent magnets, and other extrusion and non-extrusion structures. The present invention overcomes previous particle size, texture, homogeneity and density limitations in conventional metallurgy processes.

Abstract: A die tool and process are described that provide friction consolidation fabrication and friction consolidation extrusion fabrication products including permanent magnets, and other extrusion and non-extrusion structures. The present invention overcomes previous particle size, texture, homogeneity and density limitations in conventional metallurgy processes.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus and process are disclosed that produce high-performance extrusion structures. The extrusion apparatus includes a shear tool that applies a rotational shear force and an axial extrusion force to the face of a billet material that plasticizes the billet material. Plasticized material is extruded through an extrusion die along the length of the inner bore of the shear tool which yields hollow and solid extrusion structures. The process refines the microstructures of the extrusion structures and extrusion materials.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) tool tip is described. The tool tip comprises a pin portion and a body portion that meet to form a shoulder. The tool tip has a graduated change in composition along its length. In some embodiments, the alloy composition near the end of the pin differs from the alloy composition of the body by at least 0.5% by wt of at least one element. A method of manufacturing a FSW tool tip having a gradual compositional change is also described.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for providing certification of friction stir welds are disclosed. A sensor is used to collect information related to a friction stir weld. Data from the sensor is compared to threshold values provided by an extrinsic standard setting organizations using a certification engine. The certification engine subsequently produces a report on the certification status of the weld.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding dissimilar materials are detailed. The invention includes a cutter scribe that penetrates and extrudes a first material of a lap weld stack to a preselected depth and further cuts a second material to provide a beneficial geometry defined by a plurality of mechanically interlocking features. The tool backfills the interlocking features generating a lap weld across the length of the interface between the dissimilar materials that enhances the shear strength of the lap weld.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding dissimilar materials are detailed. The invention includes a cutter scribe that penetrates and extrudes a first material of a lap weld stack to a preselected depth and further cuts a second material to provide a beneficial geometry defined by a plurality of mechanically interlocking features. The tool backfills the interlocking features generating a lap weld across the length of the interface between the dissimilar materials that enhances the shear strength of the lap weld.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding dissimilar materials are detailed. The invention includes a cutter scribe that penetrates and extrudes a first material of a lap weld stack to a preselected depth and further cuts a second material to provide a beneficial geometry defined by a plurality of mechanically interlocking features. The tool backfills the interlocking features generating a lap weld across the length of the interface between the dissimilar materials that enhances the shear strength of the lap weld.