Abstract: A counter support for friction stir welding, which makes it possible to also produce very long weld seams by friction stir welding despite a very compact design, is shown. Curved components and nn-straight weld seams may also be produced.

Abstract: In a method of friction stir welding two pieces of material of greatly differing melting temperatures, provision is made that the first piece of material is overlapped by the second piece of material. The rotating pin of the friction stir welding tool provides for a butt joint welding and an overlap welding at the same time in that the pin is moved along the face side and contacts it either not at all or at most to a minimum extent. The same also applies to the planar side of the first piece of material, which is overlapped by the less stable piece of material.