Abstract: A linear friction welding system includes a processing circuit configured to execute program instructions stored in a memory to control a first motor using one of a torque and speed control, placing a plurality of timing gears in a configuration wherein a fixed projection of one of the timing gears is at a trail position of a slot of another timing gear such that two power shafts of a cam assembly are rotating in phase and a ram is motionless. The processing circuit further controls a hydraulic press to generate a pressure between two components to be welded with the power shafts rotating in phase, and controls the second motor using the one of the torque and speed control to place the timing gears in a second configuration whereat the fixed projection is at a lead position of the slot thereby forcing the ram to oscillate.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system includes a processing circuit configured to execute program instructions stored in a memory to control a first motor using one of a torque and speed control, placing a plurality of timing gears in a configuration wherein a fixed projection of one of the timing gears is at a trail position of a slot of another timing gear such that two power shafts of a cam assembly are rotating in phase and a ram is motionless. The processing circuit further controls a hydraulic press to generate a pressure between two components to be welded with the power shafts rotating in phase, and controls the second motor using the one of the torque and speed control to place the timing gears in a second configuration whereat the fixed projection is at a lead position of the slot thereby forcing the ram to oscillate.

Abstract: A cam assembly in a linear friction welding system includes two power shafts. Each of the shafts have two timing gears mounted thereupon. For one of the shafts, one of the timing gears includes a slot extending within the timing gear which is formed as an arc about a center of rotation of the power shaft. The other timing gear on that shaft includes a fixed pin which extends into the slot. A cross-over shaft is operably connected to both power shafts.

Abstract: A cam assembly in a linear friction welding system includes two power shafts. Each of the shafts have two timing gears mounted thereupon. For one of the shafts, one of the timing gears includes a slot extending within the timing gear which is formed as an arc about a center of rotation of the power shaft. The other timing gear on that shaft includes a fixed pin which extends into the slot. A cross-over shaft is operably connected to both power shafts.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to oscillate along a welding axis, and a first and second power shaft operably connectable to the ram through a vibrating assembly. Respective motors are configured to drive respective power timing gears fixedly connected to the first and second power shafts. A slave timing gear is operably connected to the first power shaft in variable rotational relationship and to the second power shaft in fixed rotational relationship. The first slave timing gear is configured to be driven by one power shaft to force oscillation of the ram and by the other power shaft to stop oscillation of the ram.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to oscillate along a welding axis, and a first and second power shaft operably connectable to the ram through a vibrating assembly. Respective motors are configured to drive respective power timing gears fixedly connected to the first and second power shafts. A slave timing gear is operably connected to the first power shaft in variable rotational relationship and to the second power shaft in fixed rotational relationship. The first slave timing gear is configured to be driven by one power shaft to force oscillation of the ram and by the other power shaft to stop oscillation of the ram.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system and method in one embodiment includes a first motor configured to rotate a first power shaft, a second motor configured to rotate a second power shaft, a memory including program instructions, and a controller operably connected to the first motor, the second motor, and the memory, and configured to execute the program instructions to identify a first current oscillation amplitude of a ram operably connected to the first power shaft and the second power shaft, determine a second desired oscillation amplitude for the ram, determine a minimum shift in relative angle between the first motor and the second motor to achieve the second desired oscillation amplitude, allocate the minimum shift in relative angle between the first motor and the second motor, and control the first motor and the second motor based upon the allocated minimum shift in relative angle.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system and method in one embodiment includes a first motor configured to rotate a first power shaft, a second motor configured to rotate a second power shaft, a memory including program instructions, and a controller operably connected to the first motor, the second motor, and the memory, and configured to execute the program instructions to identify a first current oscillation amplitude of a ram operably connected to the first power shaft and the second power shaft, determine a second desired oscillation amplitude for the ram, determine a minimum shift in relative angle between the first motor and the second motor to achieve the second desired oscillation amplitude, allocate the minimum shift in relative angle between the first motor and the second motor, and control the first motor and the second motor based upon the allocated minimum shift in relative angle.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to vibrate along a welding axis, at least one rocker arm with a first end portion spaced apart from the welding axis and constrained against movement along the welding axis, and a second end portion which is movable along the welding axis, and a first welding component support member configured to hold a first welding component, the first welding component support member operably connected to the ram and supported by the second end portion of the at least one rocker arm, such that vibration of the ram along the welding axis causes the location of the first welding component support member along an axis orthogonal to the welding axis to vary.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to vibrate along a welding axis, at least one rocker arm with a first end portion spaced apart from the welding axis and constrained against movement along the welding axis, and a second end portion which is movable along the welding axis, and a first welding component support member configured to hold a first welding component, the first welding component support member operably connected to the ram and supported by the second end portion of the at least one rocker arm, such that vibration of the ram along the welding axis causes the location of the first welding component support member along an axis orthogonal to the welding axis to vary.

Abstract: A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to vibrate along a welding axis, a cam follower operably connected to the ram, an eccentric including an eccentric outer periphery operably engaged with the cam follower, and an inner periphery, a first power shaft slidingly engaged with the eccentric, and a second power shaft eccentrically engaged with the inner periphery.