Abstract: Friction stir welding equipment control force spindle for mounting in an orbital head housing uses a coaxial sensor to measure downforce. Simultaneously, an axial electrical actuator is controlled to dynamically correct the axial tool position during the welding, by a direct axial force system control, in order to maintain controlled downforce according to parameters previously set, based on numerical control. The equipment also sets up, monitors and controls spindle rotation speed, welding speed, acceleration speed and downforce using for example closed loop control functions. A laser system may scan the backing surface before welding and correct original tool path, in order to get an offset tool path. A precision alarm system may provide safe welding while preventing the tool from colliding with the backing surface.

Abstract: Friction stir welding equipment control force spindle for mounting in an orbital head housing uses a coaxial sensor to measure downforce. Simultaneously, an axial electrical actuator is controlled to dynamically correct the axial tool position during the welding, by a direct axial force system control, in order to maintain controlled downforce according to parameters previously set, based on numerical control. The equipment also sets up, monitors and controls spindle rotation speed, welding speed, acceleration speed and downforce using for example closed loop control functions. A laser system may scan the backing surface before welding and correct original tool path, in order to get an offset tool path. A precision alarm system may provide safe welding while preventing the tool from colliding with the backing surface.

Abstract: Friction stirred welding equipment, developed according to requirements of high reliability, robustness, precision and low cost, weld lap and butt joints in complex surfaces with fixed pin tool under controlled downforce. Exemplary equipment comprises a control force orbital spindle, wherein a coaxial sensor measures the downforce and simultaneously the axial electrical actuator corrects axial tool position along the welding, by a direct axial force system control, in order to maintain controlled downforce according to previously set parameters. The equipment sets up, monitors and controls the spindle rotation speed, welding speed, acceleration speed and downforce and can record in a database the downforce and tool welding position during the welding.