Abstract: A connecting portion (10c) of a container (10) of a catalyst converter is formed with a joining portion (15) to be joined to a joining portion (16) of a flange member (11) by spinning working, and the joining portion (15) formed by the spinning working is joined to the joining portion (16) of the flange member (11) by friction welding. One of the connecting portion (10c) of the container of the catalyst converter and the flange member (11) is extended so as to be disposed radially inward of the joining portions (15) and (16).

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) travel axis load control method and apparatus for controlling a travel axis load applied to a FSW setup during the joining of workpieces by FSW. The method and apparatus recognize that controlling certain attributes of a friction stir welding plasticized region are key to controlling the quality of the resulting weld. This invention controls any of a number of qualities associated with the plasticized region thereby producing welds having improved mechanical and aesthetic properties, as well as extending the life of the FSW tool. The method and apparatus may control the FSW process to obtain a predetermined optimum size of a heat affected zone. The plasticized region may be monitored in a number of ways including, but not limited to, force on the tool, torque applied to the tool, workpiece temperature, plasticized region physical dimension, as well as changing surface characteristics such as color and reflectivity.

Abstract: A superplastically formed structural assembly is provided, as is an associated preform and method for forming such an assembly. The assembly includes a skin member and a support member that are joined to define a space between the members and between the joints. The assembly can be produced by joining the members in a flat configuration, and then forming the resulting preform to a predetermined shape of the structural assembly. The support member defines at least one aperture in communication with the space between the members. Thus, the skin member can be formed by delivering a pressurized fluid through the support member to the skin member, e.g., to superplastically form the skin member against a die that defines a contour surface corresponding in shape to the predetermined configuration of the assembly. The support member can extend in a substantially direct configuration between opposing portions of the skin member.

Abstract: A method and device enabling friction stir welding along non-linear joint lines or seams on either planar or non-planar surfaces are provided. The device features four roller clamps located on upper and lower pieces. It also contains a non-consumable tool with a profiled probed end that engages work pieces and follows along a non-linear or linear joint lines in order to achieve high-integrity friction stir welds. No special anvil is required and the device can be manually or automatically operated and controlled. Operating similarly to a conventional sewing machine, this device and process enable an operator or user to manually guide work pieces to be welded through a friction stir welding tool and allows for flexibility in the path of the weld and the types of material being welded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making large spin blanks out of pieces of aluminum sheet or plate joined by friction stir welding to provide plate blank sizes greater than 156 inch (396 cm) in diameter. Blank sizes greater than 209 inch diameter enable manufacturing possibilities for large one-piece spun parts instead of constructing large structures from pieces. This also applies to sheet, except that the maximum width obtainable is 139 inches (353 cm). The availability of large blank sizes, particularly for sheet, permits the use of traditional spinning where bending is the predominant method of metal movement rather than stretching and spinning. As the present invention is a very cost effective approach, it provides a method for producing significantly more economical spin blanks between 156 and 209 inches in diameter than are obtainable for a single piece blank.

Abstract: A tool for making simultaneously a plurality of parallel friction stir welds includes at least one shank for holding in a chuck or collet of a friction stir welding machine, a plurality of friction stir welding pins, and friction stir welding shoulders including at least four working surfaces adjacent said pins, the shoulders and pins mounted in axial relationship; dimensions of said friction stir welding pins and shanks corresponding to dimensions and spacings of said friction stir welds.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A spin weld pin according the principles of the present invention can be rotated at a high speed relative to two or more framing members by a torque transmitting device. An axial force is applied to the pin as it rotates so that the pin contacts the framing members and generates frictional heat. The heat generated causes the framing members to enter a molten state and allows the pin to penetrate therethrough. Rotation of the pin is ceased and as the pin and framing members cool, a bond is formed that joins the framing members and pin together.

Abstract: A tool for forming a friction stir weld joint in a workpiece is provided. According to one embodiment, the tool includes a rotatable pin having first and second ends and defining a stirring portion therebetween structured to frictionally engage the workpiece so as to at least partially form the friction stir weld joint. In particular, the stirring portion of the pin defines at least one groove and ridge, each of which extend generally circumferentially around an axis of the pin. The tool can also include a second shoulder opposing the first shoulder such that the pin extends therebetween.

Abstract: An axially elongated cylindrical tool has a protrusion at a lower end thereof which is inserted into a metallic work piece substrate under pressure during rotation of the tool and displacement thereof in one direction. Mixing of a matrix of metal and particles by the protrusion occurs within a stir zone underlying the substrate surface which is thereby treated by dispersion of the particles therein in response to rotation of the tool. Influx of the hard particles into the work piece substrate is effected during said mixing by the rotating tool.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) method and apparatus are provided by which power needed for FSW is reduced and a compact FSW tool can be used. In the FSW method, metal members are lapped one on another and a rotating probe of an FSW tool is inserted into a contact portion of the metal members. The contact portion is softened by frictional heat and stirred by the probe so that the metal members are welded together. A portion of the metal members surrounding the probe is heated by a heater.

Abstract: Welding head 1 for friction stir welding, adapted for connection and driving of a tool 2 intended for simultaneous friction stir welding from two opposite surfaces on an object for welding, comprising a tool holder 9, a force-generating device 3, 13 and a rotary driving device 5 which, during operation, can impart to the connected tool 2 a cyclic movement around the centre axis 10 of the tool and relative to the object for welding arranged in conjunction with the welding head. The force-generating device is controllable during operation and adapted so as, during operation, to act between a primary shoulder 6 and a secondary shoulder 7 on a tool 2 connected in the tool holder 9. The invention also comprises a welding system for friction stir welding, with the force between the shoulders of the tool being controlled depending on the current torque for rotary driving. Also indicated are a method for initiating friction stir welding and computer program for such a method.

Abstract: A gas generator housing part is produced of a thin-walled tube having a wall thickness which amounts to a maximum of 10% of a tube external diameter and a minimum tensile strength which amounts to at least approximately 800 N/mm2, and a connecting piece having an external diameter which amounts to between 15% and 40% of the tube external diameter. After aligning the connecting piece radially to the tube such that an end face of the connecting piece faces an outer face of the tube, the tube and the connecting piece are joined by friction welding. A maximum welding time amounts to less than 1 second, preferably less than 0.3 second and a friction depth amounts to less than 80% of the wall thickness of the tube.

Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.

Abstract: The invention concerns a friction stir welding method according to which the workpieces (2, 3) to be welded are positioned on a worktable (7) and by means of clamping means (5, 6) clamped to one another and/or to the work-table during the welding. A rotating welding means (12, 13) is arranged to move along a joint between the work pieces while being pressed against said workpieces during the welding. Additional heat is supplied to the joint prior to and/or during the welding operation, in excess of the frictional heat generated in the joint from the rotation of the welding means and of any other heat hat may be supplied to the joint in any other manner by the welding means.

Abstract: In a friction agitation processing for processing a workpiece by penetrating a rotating processing tool into the workpiece keeping rotation, upon an occurrence of an emergency in execution of friction agitation processing, the processing tool is removed from the workpiece after a finishing time of scheduled friction agitation processing and thereafter stopped in rotation, so as thereby to prevent the processing tool from being locked in the workpiece.

Abstract: A body member and flange members are butted together at first and second abutment portions, and are retained by first and second backing jigs. In this arrangement, inner circumferential surfaces of the first and second abutment portions are fitted on and in close contact with outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second backing jigs. Subsequently, the friction stir welding is performed along each of the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion by using a probe which is rotated at a high speed.

Abstract: Method for joining components of metals and alloys, particularly components of light metals, including alloys of light metals and possibly hybrids/composites containing light metals. Oxide on the surfaces to be joined is removed immediately prior to joining, and the groove is filled with a metallic filler material by means of extrusion while the supply of oxygen to the groove is restricted. The invention is also directed to a device for conducting the method, which may optionally include means for heating, means for measurement of temperature and pressure during extrusion as well as controlling means for automation of the joining process.

Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.

Abstract: A monobloc bladed disc and a process for manufacturing or repairing a monobloc bladed disc, where the process includes forming, on a protruding projection belonging to a disc and extending from an upstream end to a downstream end along a protruding projection chord, a welded joint surface intended to allow a subsequent stage of fitting a blade by linear friction welding onto the protruding projection of the disc. The forming the welded joint surface is carried out in such a way that it includes at least two butt-jointed plane portions arranged in sequence along the protruding projection chord.

Abstract: A welding tool is inserted into an object in a rotation-stopped state, and the welding tool is rotated after insertion, thereby the object is stirred by frictional heat. The welding tool is inserted into the object free of whirling. The welding tool can be prevented from inserting in a position shifted from the target welding position. Namely, the welding tool is precisely inserted in the target welding position and members of the object can be welded in the target welding position free of shifting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction stir welding apparatus and associated thermal management systems and methods for joining one or more similar or dissimilar materials forming a workpiece along a joint to be welded. The friction stir welding apparatus includes a pin tool apparatus selectively disposed adjacent to and in direct contact with a first surface of the workpiece along the joint to be welded and a heating member disposed adjacent to a second surface of the workpiece along the joint to be welded, the heating member operable for controllably heating at least a portion of the workpiece adjacent to the joint to be welded. The friction stir welding apparatus also includes an annular spindle having an interior portion and an axis, the interior portion of the annular spindle at least partially defining one or more cooling channels, the one or more cooling channels operable for containing a cooling fluid.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method that can be easily applied to friction stir welding where the thickness of face plates at one welding portion is different from the thickness of face plates at another welding portion. Three shape members 10, 11, 12 having two butt joint portions are mounted on a jig 15. The face plate 14 of shape member 10 is thick and the face plate 14 of shape member 12 is thin. The protruded height of projection 18 is greater at portion B where surface plates 14 being welded are thin than the protruded height of projection A where surface plates 14 are thick. The depths for inserting rotary tools to shape members 10, 11, 12 for friction stir welding are the same. Friction stir welding is facilitated since the size and insertion depth of all the rotary tools being applied can be the same.

Abstract: A weld preparation process that translates a consumable or nonconsumable tool over an area that is subsequently to be welded to impart friction heating to the surface. Rotary or linearly oscillated motion between the tool and the workpiece is used to generate heat and produce deformation in the surface, resulting in recrystallization of the area being processed and a compressive residual stress.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: The present application pertains to unconventional sputter target/backing plate assemblies (10) for high power operation and to the low temperature method of making them. The sputter target/backing plate assemblies (10) comprise targets (12) and backing plates (16) having dissimilar thermal coefficients of expansion. Although the consolidated targets (12) and backing plates (16) have dissimilar thermal coefficients of expansion, they are able to be bonded together and used at high sputtering temperatures without bowing or bending and are able to utilize backing plates (16) normally associated with a specified target metal. In the method of making, a plurality of male projections (16) are formed in one member of the assembly (10) with a plurality of corresponding female grooves (32) formed in the other surface. The assembly (10) is bonded by conventional techniques around an annular zone that surrounds the male (26) and female portions (32).

Abstract: A thermal spray mixed with a substrate using a non-consumable cylindrical rotating tool. The process may be repeated to create a composite-like coating or material. The coating or material may be machine to improve surface quality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding method for welding two members to be welded which differ in physical properties and/or mechanical properties by abutting the two members to each other, inserting a pin portion of a rotary tool having the pin portion and a shoulder portion to the abutment surfaces of the two members, and moving the rotary tool along the abutment surfaces. The pin portion is inserted to only one of the members, the pin portion is not inserted to the other of the members but only the shoulder portion is set in contact with the other of the members, and, while this condition is maintained, the rotary tool is moved. With this method, only the member on the side where the pin is inserted can be made to undergo plastic flow attendant on a friction stir action. The metal in plastic flow is pressed against the opposite member at an elevated temperature and high pressure, whereby diffusion of atoms is caused in the vicinity of the abutment surfaces, and the members are welded.

Abstract: A body member and flange members are butted together at a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion. The first and second abutment portions are held by first and second backing jigs, respectively. The first backing jig has a circumscribing recessed section corresponding to an inner circumferential surface of the first abutment portion. Further, the first backing jig has a circumscribing opening communicated with the bottom of the recessed section. On the other hand, the second backing jig has a circumscribing recessed section corresponding to an inner circumferential surface of the second abutment portion. Further, the second backing jig has a circumscribing opening communicated with the bottom of the recessed section. First and second buffer members are attached to the recessed sections, respectively.

Abstract: A joint between one or more structural members and an associated method are provided. The joint includes a friction weld joint or other connection between faying surfaces of the members, and an exothermically reacted sealant disposed in an interface defined by the faying surfaces. The exothermic reaction of the sealant in the interface can be initiated before, during, or after joining the structural members such that the sealant at least partially seals the interface. The sealant can fill the spaces between the structural members to prevent the entry of chemicals, moisture, debris, and other substances, thereby reducing the likelihood of corrosion of the joint or structural members at the interface. Further, the sealant can form a bond with the structural members, thereby increasing the strength of the connection between the members.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a first portion forming a part of a head body of the golf club head and a second portion forming another part of the head body. The first portion is made of a first metal material and includes an abutting portion. The second portion is made of a second metal material and includes an abutting portion. At least one inclined or arcuate surface for friction welding is formed on the abutting portion of the first portion. The inclined or arcuate surface for friction welding provides the abutting portion of the first portion and the abutting portion of the second portion with improved bonding strength and increased joining area when joining the first portion and the second portion together by welding friction to form a golf club head product. A method for manufacturing a golf club head by friction welding is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for establishing an electrical connection between a first contact surface and a second contact surface, with a wire-bonding tool being used to provide a contact wire between the contact surfaces by bonding the contact wire to the first contact surface and subsequently leading it to the second contact surface, bonding it to the latter, and subsequently, separating it using the wire-bonding tool. After the contact wire has been separated from the second contact surface, the wire-bonding tool is used to provide the contact point with an additional contact securing element via the contact wire.

Abstract: While at least one of first and second tools 4 and 5 of a junction tool 6 is rotated, a workpiece W made of a plurality of plate materials W1 and W2 superimposed in their thickness directions is nipped between the first and second tools and joined at points. The first tool 4 is provided with a pin 44 protruding from its distal end surface 43 along a junction axis X. The second tool 5 is provided with a depression 51 which is depressed at its distal end surface 53 along the junction axis X. By the first pin 44 of the first tool 4 and the depression 51 of the second tool 5, the superimposed surface W3 of the softened workpiece W is caulked in the direction of the junction axis X. Further, plastic flow is generated within the workpiece W so as to agitate the vicinity of the superimposed surface W3.

Abstract: Friction stir welding is enhanced by preheating of the workpiece with an electrical arc, such as an arc applied by a common gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW) torch. As the arc is moved about a path on the workpiece, it preheats or partially welds the path, with the friction stir welding head following along the path to complete the weld.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: A method for coating and an associated assembly including such a coating are provided. The assembly includes a workpiece defining a weld portion, such as a friction weld joint and a heat affected zone. A coating is disposed on the weld portion to at least partially cover the weld portion, thereby providing enhanced corrosion resistance to the workpiece.

Abstract: We have discovered a method of producing a complex-shaped aluminum alloy article, where welding has been employed to form the article, where an anodized aluminum coating is produced over a surface of the article including the weld joint, and where the anodized aluminum coating is uniform, providing improved performance over that previously known in the art for welded articles exposed to a corrosive plasma environment.

Abstract: The end of a hollow member 10 is abutted against the end of a hollow member 20. The end of a face plate 21 is supported on a protrusion 15. A small-diameter portion 52 of a rotary tool 50 is inserted into the abutted area, and the tool 50 is moved along the abutted region while being rotated in a clockwise direction as observed from the large-diameter potion 51. Thus, the pressure of mobilized metal is greater on the right side of the axial center of the rotary tool. The thickness of the member from the tip of the inserted small-diameter portion 51 to the hollow areas 10b and 10a is thicker at the right side where the pressure is higher, thus preventing metal from flowing out into the hollow region 10a.

Abstract: Expanded structural assemblies and preforms and methods therefor are provided. Each preform can include at least two structural members in a stacked relationship, defining cells that can be inflated to expand the preform. Elongate members can be disposed between the structural members along the cells to define passages through which fluid can be received during expanding. Further, the structural members of the preform can be connected by friction stir weld joints, some of which can extend only partially through the preform so that the preform defines cells that can be expanded. More than one adjacent friction stir weld joint can be disposed between adjacent cells of the preform to define multiple-pass friction stir weld joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in a joining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.

Abstract: In a friction stir welding method of manufacturing a piston for a variable capacity swash plate type compressor, the welder is shifted from the welded portions to a predetermined position while maintaining contact between the welder and one of the piston members. After finishing the friction stir welding, a hole is not formed in the welded portions of the piston members to improve durability of the welded portions. The piston members are elastically supported by support rollers to align the central axial lines of the piston members with the axial line of the chuck, even though the diameters of the piston members differ.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: An apparatus for friction stir welding, a weld tool for friction stir welding, and a method for making a weld tool for friction stir welding are presented. The weld tool comprises a tungsten-based refractory material. A method for manufacturing an article, where the method comprises providing the apparatus for friction stir welding, and the article produced by this method are also presented.

Abstract: A friction welding tool for friction welding can be controlled with respect to measuring accuracy based upon the temperature in the weld zone. This is attained by determining the temperature values of the weld zone by way of a temperature sensor, which is arranged with its measuring point in the pin of the stir welding tool.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: In a friction agitation joining method, two plate-shaped joining members different in thickness, or first and second joining members, are abutted against each other with a level difference formed at upper surface sides thereof. A rotating probe of a joining tool is inserted into the butted portion of the first and second joining members from upper surface sides thereof. Joining-direction front sides of the first and second joining members with respect to the probe inserted position are pressed by first and second front pressing rollers, respectively, from the upper surface sides thereof. Furthermore, joining-direction lower sides of the first and the second joining members with respect to a probe inserted position from the upper surface sides are pressed by first and second lower pressing rollers, respectively, from the upper surface sides thereof. In this state, the butted portion is joined by the friction agitation joining method.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a friction welded component and a method of manufacture for such a component, comprising friction welding a reinforcement element (10) at an end cross-section thereof to a surface of a thin walled member (12) with an interlayer member (14) interposed between the reinforcement element and the surface of the thin walled member. The thin walled member and/or the interlayer are preferably of the same or similar material and the thickness of the thin walled member is preferably less than or equal to 6 mm and more preferably in the range 0.5 to 2 mm with the diameter of the reinforcement element being greater than 10 times the thickness of the thin walled member. The invention finds particular application in the fabrication of bosses to gas turbine aero-engine casings and fabricated nozzle components, for example.

Abstract: A machining method for an integrated piping plate, for example, composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus, or the instrument, or the component are or is disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component are or is connected by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formed in the plates. The machining method welds the joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, for example, by an FSW welding machine, to join the plates. Compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, the machining method can increase the durability of the plate joining portion and increase pressure resistance. Also, the method can increase work efficiency and further downsize the integrated piping plate.

Abstract: A method of repairing a crack (14) in a component (12). The method includes preparing a surrounding surface (22) of the crack (14) for repair and welding a first portion (24) of the component (12) on a first side (26) of the crack (14) to a second portion (28) of the component (12) on a second side (30) of the crack (14) to form a fused crack area (50). The method may also include applying a patch (78) over the fused crack area (50) for additional strength.

Abstract: Two members 11 and 12 are butted against each other, and the butted portion is cut with a cutter 20 to form a slit 14 thereto, and a filler member 21 is inserted to slit 14 using rollers 22, 23 and 25. Then, friction stir welding is performed to weld filler member 21 and two member 11 and 12 disposed on both sides thereof using a rotary tool 35, and the position of a gap formed between an end of filler member 21 at the upstream side in the rotating direction of rotary tool 35 and one member 11b at the upstream side in the rotating direction is detected using an optical sensor 35. Then, half the width of filler member 21 is added to the detected position, and the calculated position is set as the position of the rotary tool 35.