Abstract: A liquid-cooled circuit device including: a module having a circuit element and a module base plate on surface of which the circuit element is mounted; a circuit case for accommodating the module; and a cooling liquid chamber for flowing a cooling liquid in contact with a back face of the module base plate of said module. The module base plate of the module is fitted into an opening provided in a member forming the cooling liquid chamber and welded without a gap.

Abstract: Face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow shape member 10 are abutted against face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow shape member 20. Grooves 18 formed to said face plates 11 and 12 at the abutted region receive projections 28 formed to said face plates 21 and 22. A connecting plate 14 orthogonal to said face plates 11 and 12 is provided to the hollow shape member 10. There is no connecting plate orthogonal to face plates 21 and 22 disposed on the end of the hollow shape member 20. Friction stir welding heat causes the face plate 21 (22) to move toward the thickness direction of hollow shape members 10 and 20, but such movement is suppressed by the groove 18 and projection 28. Thereby, the abutted region is welded flatly. Since the hollow shape member 20 requires no connecting plate corresponding to plate 14, the welded members are light in weight.

Abstract: Face plates 11 and 12 of a hollow shape member 10 are abutted against face plates 21 and 22 of a hollow shape member 20. Grooves 18 formed to said face plates 11 and 12 at the abutted region receive projections 28 formed to said face plates 21 and 22. A connecting plate 14 orthogonal to said face plates 11 and 12 is provided to the hollow shape member 10. There is no connecting plate orthogonal to face plates 21 and 22 disposed on the end of the hollow shape member 20. Friction stir welding heat causes the face plate 21 (22) to move toward the thickness direction of hollow shape members 10 and 20, but such movement is suppressed by the groove 18 and projection 28. Thereby, the abutted region is welded flatly. Since the hollow shape member 20 requires no connecting plate corresponding to plate 14, the welded members are light in weight.

Abstract: In a friction agitation joining method for joining two plate-shaped joining members butted against each other with a level difference formed at upper surface sides thereof by a joining tool having a probe rotatable about a rotation axis thereof, the butted joining members are arranged so as to be inclined to a horizontal plane with one of the joining members having a higher upper surface level positioned at a lower side and the other at a higher side. Then, the rotating probe is inserted into a butted portion of the joining members or the vicinity thereof in a state that the rotation axis is parallel to a vertical plane extending along the butted portion. Then, the probe is moved relative to the joining members along the butted portion with the probe inserted into the butted portion or the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in adjoining 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 and 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: Structural components obtained by a process for welding iron-base materials, where the iron-base material is iron-base fine grained materials free from any amorphous phase, which comprises welding two kinds of fine grained materials of chemical and crystallographically same or different kinds from one another, whose average grain sizes d are in a range of 10 nm<d≦5×103 nm, etc., by friction stir welding can maintain distinguished properties of fine grained materials, such as strength and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A precipitation hardened structural assembly is provided, including a first structural member and a second structural member positioned adjacent to the first structural member such that the first and second structural members define an interface therebetween. At least one friction stir weld joint joins the first structural member to the second structural member at least partially along the interface. The first and second structural members and the friction stir weld joint are solution heat treated at a first predetermined temperature schedule and precipitation heat treated at a second predetermined temperature schedule and wherein the friction stir weld joint comprises a refined grain structure having grain size of less than about 5 microns.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for joining aluminum allow panels (eg. 2090-T83 aluminum lithium alloy). The method preliminarily positions two panels and skin panels next to each other so that a stringer panel overlaps a skin panel. A friction stir weld pin tool penetrates through one panel and at least partially into another panel. The panel material around the pin tool is frictionally heated.

Abstract: A method for fabrication or production of composite structures, which has particular advantages when fabricating large structures, includes the steps of procuring a composite panel, such as carbon-fiber-reinforced resin. The edge of the composite panel its adhesively fixed in the slot of a bifurcated metallic piece. After the composite panel is adhesively fixed to the metallic piece, the metallic piece is stir-friction welded to another metal piece. The stir-friction welding occurs at a lower temperature than fusion welding, and so the adhesive bond between the metallic element and the composite panel is less affected. When two composite panels are each adhesively fastened to a metallic element, the two metallic elements can, in turn, be stir-friction welded. Thus, large panels can be fabricated.

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: Plate parts (1, 2) to be joined are formed with flat meeting surfaces (1A, 2A) and beveled surfaces (1B, 2B) at the respective joining ends, and fixed in a welding position with the flat meeting surfaces (1A, 2A) in abutting engagement with each other. In this state, a cladding material (4) is pressed against a groove (3) between the two plate parts (1, 2) and at the same time put in high speed rotation. Heat of high temperature is generated by friction between contacting surfaces of the plate parts (1, 2) and the cladding material (4). As the cladding material (4) is moved along the meeting surfaces (1A, 2A), part of plasticized cladding material at the lower end of the cladding material (4) is left and deposited on the front side of the groove (3), contributing to increase the cladding volume of a weld portion (5) on the front side of the groove (3) and to enhance the strength of bondage between the two plate parts (1, 2).

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to achieve a method for friction stir welding, whereby the welding of alloys with high oxygen affinity and/or high plasticisation energy is possible and the heat flux from the welding location is easily controlled. Said aim is achieved whereby the cooling liquid from a cooling ring (2), moving with the pin tool (1), is physically limited to being sprayed on the trailing region and the lateral region of the welding location adjacent to the pin tool (1). Additionally, a gas jet (3) moving with the pin tool (1), blows cooling gas from the front against the pin tool (1) and against the cooling water escaping from the cooling ring (2).

Abstract: A joined structure of different metals is usable even in a severely corrosive environments such locations susceptible to salt damage. In a joined structure of different metals, members of different metals are joined to each other in such a manner that a flange is allowed to extend in a direction from the circumferential side of one of the members along the circumference of the other member.

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: The method includes the steps of providing a first metal member and contacting the first metal member with a second metal member. A substantially cylindrical rotatable member is provided and is rotated while frictionally engaging it with the first metal member for locally heating and melting a portion of the first metal member, and penetrating the rotatable member through the first metal member. The rotatable member is rotated while frictionally engaging it with the second metal member for locally heating and melting a portion of the second metal member. A wire is fed through the axially extending passage and melted as it exits the axially extending passage. The resulting molten wire is mixed with the resulting molten metal of the first and second member, and solidified to form a joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for friction welding a first element to a second element includes a forge assembly having a table defining a platform, a crank, a forge link and a reaction link disposed oppositely of the forge link relative to the platform. Various construction details are disclosed that provide a friction welder that minimizes bending in the forge and motion planes and enhances repeatability of the welds performed. In a specific embodiment, the friction welder may be used in a method to form integrally bladed rotors and further includes a reciprocal motion assembly adapted to generate motion between the elements being welded, a gripper and an base tool. The reciprocal motion assembly includes a servo hydraulic actuator having a hydraulic column frequency greater than the frequency of reciprocation. The gripper is a device for use with bonding an airfoil to the rotor. The base tool is a device for mounting and positioning the rotor for the bonding operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding method of welding a butted portion of work pieces relatively easily and firmly with an improved finish after the butted portion is tack-welded. In the method, a plurality of work pieces are placed to be butted, a plurality of V-shaped grooves are intermittently formed along the butted portion, each of the grooves is tack-welded by using a welding material by TIG welding or MIG welding, deposits in the tack-welded sections are cut and removed so as to be substantially coplanar with a surface of the work pieces, and then friction stir welding is continuously performed over the entire length of the butted portion, and thus, the work pieces are joined.

Abstract: Prior receiving devices comprise a plate-shaped recess in the interior, into which a plastic part that is to be welded is laid. Since the dimensions of the laid-in plastic parts can vary, the plastic part can slip during the vibrational friction welding despite the pressure that has built up, thus worsening the welding duration and the welding result. The new receiving device is to reliably prevent the slipping of the plastic part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotating tool for friction stir welding capable of providing uniform welding strength by friction stir welding over the entire length of a butted portion of work pieces including tack-welded sections by weld metal structures, and a method and apparatus of friction stir welding using the rotating tool. The rotating tool for friction stir welding has a cutting blade for removing the weld metal structures. By rotating and moving the rotating tool along the butted portion of the two work pieces, friction stir welding is carried out while removing the weld metal structures by using the cutting blade. The rotating tool is provided with a shoulder portion at a tip end side of a tool body and a pin at a tip end of the shoulder portion. Two cutting blades may be symmetrically provided from the shoulder portion to a tip end portion of the tool body.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a friction stir welding method and apparatus capable of maintaining a rotating tool and workpieces at a substantially constant geometrical relation for arbitrary curved surfaces having a three-dimensional shape, as well as a welded structure obtained thereby.

Abstract: The superplastically formed structural assembly includes first and second structural members having facing surfaces. The first and second structural members can include a first outer structural member, a second outer structural member or at least one intermediate structural member. In one embodiment, the first and second structural members include first and second outer structural members. In another embodiment, the first and second structural members include first and second intermediate structural members. The structural assembly includes at least one friction stir weld joint joining the first and second structural members. In one embodiment, the facing surface of the first structural member is at least partially covered with oxide to prevent thermo-compression welding of the first and second structural members adjacent the at least one friction stir weld joint. In another embodiment, the facing surface of the second structural member is at least partially covered with oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides a surface treatment method for a light alloy cylinder head of a multiple cylinder engine having a plurality of intake and exhaust ports for each cylinder wherein the method improves treatment efficiency and restrains dispersion in cylinders when surface treatment by the frictional stirring treatment is applied to surface parts between said intake and exhaust ports, and wherein a treating path of the frictional stirring treatment is independently set for each cylinder and the pattern of the treating path is substantially the same for all cylinders, and forward and backward paths are set in each treating path, thereby. the surface treatment is continuously executed for each cylinder from a treatment start portion to an end portion in the pattern of the treating path.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a highly versatile semiconductor device includes a holder for releasably embracing and holding a substrate having first and second sides on which first and second bonding pads, respectively, are provided; a bonding tool for wire-bonding the first and second bonding pads; and a bonding head, which has the bonding tool mounted thereon, for driving the bonding tool in three dimensions and rotating the bonding tool about an axis that is perpendicular to the central axis of the bonding tool.

Abstract: The welding apparatus and associated method are provided. The welding apparatus includes a welding tool for forming a weld joint along the surface of at least one workpiece. The welding apparatus also includes a compression tool for selectively inducing a layer of residual compressive stress in at least a portion of the surface of the weld joint and the surface of the at least one workpiece to thereby improve the material properties of the workpiece, including corrosion resistance and fatigue strength.

Abstract: End portions of members 10, 20 are abutted against each other. A trapezoidal convex portion 22 of the member 20 is inserted into a trapezoidal concave portion 12 of the member 10. A friction stir welding is performed by inserting a rotary tool 50 from the side of raised portions 13, 23. A small-diameter portion 51b of the rotary tool 50 is tapered and is provided with a screw thread 51b. A large-diameter portion 53 is of a member different from an axis portion of the rotary tool 50 and is connected thereto by a pin 59. The screw thread of the screw thread portion 51b could be formed in the vicinity of a concave surface 53g of an end surface of the large-diameter portion 53, so that stirring near the end surface can be performed sufficiently. Therefore, good friction stir welding can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle frame assembly includes forming a crush box that absorbs energy in a controlled manner during a collision. The crush box is formed by providing first and second members, each including a web portion having first and second flange portions extending therefrom that terminate in respective edges. The first and second members are aligned such that the edges of the flange portions of the first member are aligned with and abut the edges of the flange portions of the second member in a non-overlapping relationship. Then, a butt welding process is performed to secure the flange portions of the first member with the flange portions of the second member. Lastly, the crush box is secured to a portion of the vehicle frame assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provided a friction welded component comprising at least two structural support members spaced apart and connected by a plurality of first and second studs. Each of the first studs are friction welded at one end to a first of the support members and at the opposite end thereof to one end of a respective second stud. Each of the second studs are friction welded to a respective first stud and a second of the support members along a continuous annular friction welded joint having a frusto-conical configuration.

Abstract: A friction stir welding machine includes a table for supporting parts to be welded and a frame extending over the table. A first drive is supported by a first element of the frame and is operatively connected to a spindle having a tool. The first drive moves the tool in a first direction, and the first drive disengages from the spindle after the tool contacts the material. A second drive is supported by a second element of the frame and is operatively connected to the spindle for moving the tool into the parts at a joint, thereby initiating friction stir welding process. The friction stir welding machine has a pair of rollers mounted in a roller support with an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool. The rollers contact a surface of the material in response to the tool penetrating the material to a desired depth.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for use in friction stir welding including a friction stir tool, having a shoulder, a non-consumable welding pin extending downward centrally from the shoulder, a first workpiece disposed on a backing workpiece, a second workpiece located a predetermined distance from the first workpiece on the backing workpiece, and a transition strip disposed on the backing workpiece between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, wherein the contact area or a space between the transition strip and the first workpiece defines a first interface and the contact area or a space between the transition strip and the second workpiece defines a second interface, wherein the non-consumable welding pin is rotated over the first interface and the second interface to weld the first workpiece to the second workpiece with the transition strip material incorporated as part of the weld, is disclosed.

Abstract: A joining process and friction welded structure is disclosed, including a first member with a conoid recess, and a second member with a second conoid tip that is friction welded to the recess in the first member. One, or both, of the conoids may be a non-spheroid, such as a paraboloid. In addition, the conoid recess may have a vertex angle that is greater than a vertex angle of the conoid tip.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes a body having an upper surface defining an entrance opening and a lower surface, and a pin having a lower surface defining an exit opening, wherein the pin extends from the lower surface of the body. The friction stir welding tool further includes a passageway defined by the body and the pin from the entrance opening to the exit opening and is capable of allowing a filler material to pass therethrough. A friction stir welding method includes applying a frictional heating source to a workpiece to plasticize a volume of the workpiece and applying the frictional heating source to a filler material to plasticize the filler material. The method further includes introducing the filler material into the volume of the workpiece and incorporating the filler material into the volume of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural assembly comprising a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The second workpiece at least partially underlies the first workpiece so as to define an interface therebetween. The assembly includes a friction stir weld joint joining the first and second workpieces. The assembly also includes an interface layer positioned between the first and second workpieces. The interface layer comprises a material having a melting temperature lower than the solidus temperatures of the first and second workpieces. The interface layer at least partially fills the interface proximate to the friction stir weld joint to thereby increase the strength and fracture toughness of the weld joint, as well as other mechanical and chemical properties, including resistance to crack growth and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Spring contact elements are attached to terminals of an electronic component, which may be a semiconductor die. The spring contact elements may comprise a flexible precursor element. The precursor element may be over coated with a resilient material. The spring contact elements may be elongate and attached to the terminals at one end. The other end of the spring contacts may be spaced away from the electronic component.

Abstract: A friction stir welding system capable of maintaining a rotating tool and workpieces at a substantially constant geometrical relation for arbitrary curved surfaces having a three-dimensional shape, as well as a welded structure obtained thereby. A method comprises joining workpieces while setting rotational angles of two rotational axes of a rotating tool which the two rotational axes are rotatable in intersecting directions or perpendicularly intersecting directions independently of rotation of the rotating tool, detecting a normal line direction with respect to joint surfaces of the workpieces and a tangential direction of a joint line, and joining the workpieces in three-dimensional directions while setting, on the basis of the detected normal line direction and tangential direction, an angle relative to a normal line direction, as well as a tangential direction, at a tip end of the rotating tool, and also resides in a friction stir welding apparatus using the method.

Abstract: A method of joining a first part (1) to a second part (2) by friction welding consists in the following steps:

Abstract: A rotary tool 140 is relatively moved against members 30, 30 to be welded so as to perform friction stir welding of said members, while blades 145 mounted on the rotary tool 140 and a rotary brush 220 are used to cut the welded portion, and swarfs on the cut surface are removed through a suction opening 225, before medium liquid is supplied on said cut surface through a supply opening 240. Next, an inspection roller 250 is rotated on the surface of the welded portion for inspection. A probe 251 is provided within the roller 250. Upon detecting defect, paint is applied to the position of defect by a marking device 270. Thereafter, based on said marking, the joint portion is cut and repaired by welding.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes a friction stir welding head having a probe and spindle rotatably mounted at a first end. A support supports the stir welding head between the first end and a second end for movement about a pitch axis. A pitch actuator includes an elongated arm coupled to the stir welding head at a point longitudinally spaced from pitch axis to overcome the relatively large forces exerted at the probe. A turntable supports the stir welding head for movement about a yaw axis. A yaw actuator includes an elongated arm coupled to the turntable laterally spaced from the yaw axis, to overcome the relatively large forces exerted at the probe. A controller maintains an angle of attack of the probe with respect to direction of travel of the probe along the work piece.

Abstract: A plate 20 is stacked on a plate 10, the stacked surface of the plate 10 being provided with a groove 12. The outer portion of the plate 20 is equipped with a raised portion 22. A rotary tool 50 is inserted into the raised portion 22 for performing a friction stir welding. The groove 12 is filled up during the friction stir welding with the metal material constituting said raised portion 22. According to the present method, the pressure of the welding portion will not be excessive, and therefore the generation of a notch in the stacked surface is prevented. This provides a friction stir welding method which produces a lightweight joint having good characteristics.

Abstract: Structural components obtained by a process welding iron-base materials, where the iron-base material is iron-base fine grained materials free from any amorphous phase, which comprises welding two kinds of fine grained materials of chemical and crystallographically same or different kinds from one another, whose average grain sizes d are in a range of 10 nm<d≦5×103 nm, etc., by friction stir welding can maintain distinguished properties of fine grained materials, such as strength and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a friction stir welding apparatus and method and a processing apparatus and method, which are not easily affected by deformations of a work being processed. The friction stir welding apparatus inserts a rotating tool into the work and moves the rotating tool relative to the work to join members of the work. The friction stir welding apparatus and method and the processing apparatus and method of the invention, the latter cutting or grinding the work with a rotating cutter or grindstone, comprises controlling a relative distance between the tool, cutter or grindstone and the work under the joining or processing operation or an insertion depth so that the load factor or electric current of a spindle motor for rotating the tool, cutter or grindstone is within a predetermined range, and a controller therefor.

Abstract: A cutting tool 60 cuts along the butted portion between two members 10, 20. A filling material 30 is inserted to the gap 40 formed by said cutting, and a roller 70 presses protrusions 12 and 22 to crimp said protrusions 12 and 22 so as to fix said filling material to position. Next, friction stir welding is preformed to the protrusions 12, 22 and the filling material 30 using a rotary tool 80. In another example, instead of cutting, the filling material can be welded and filled to the gap. In yet another example, cutting can be performed so as to approximate the two members before performing the friction stir welding step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural assembly comprising a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The second workpiece at least partially underlies the first workpiece so as to define an interface therebetween. The assembly includes a friction stir weld joint joining the first and second workpieces. The assembly also includes an interface layer positioned between the first and second workpieces. The interface layer comprises a material having a melting temperature lower than the solidus temperatures of the first and second workpieces. The interface layer at least partially fills the interface proximate to the friction stir weld joint to thereby increase the strength and fracture toughness of the weld joint, as well as other mechanical and chemical properties, including resistance to crack growth and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Face plates 11b and 12b of a hollow shape member 10 are abutted against face plates 21b and 22b of a hollow shape member 20. Projections 15, 16, 25 and 26 are formed to both sides of the face plates at the abutted areas. The rotary tool 50 comprises two large-diameter portions 53 and 54, and a small-diameter portion 51 disposed therebetween. The projections 15, 16, 25 and 26 of the portions 11b and 21b (12b and 22b) to be welded are sandwiched between the two large-diameter portions 53 and 54 upon performing the friction stir welding. According thereto, even if the heights of the abutted areas of the plates against the two large-diameter portions 53 and 54 differ, the face plates 11b and 21b (12b and 22b) will not be damaged (cut) by the tool since only the depth of the large-diameter portion being inserted to the projections varies. Therefore, the welding process will not reduce the thickness of the face plates, leading to design-related and function-related problems.

Abstract: A friction stir welding tool includes a body having an upper surface defining an entrance opening and a lower surface, and a pin having a lower surface defining an exit opening, wherein the pin extends from the lower surface of the body. The friction stir welding tool further includes a passageway defined by the body and the pin from the entrance opening to the exit opening and is capable of allowing a filler material to pass therethrough. A friction stir welding method includes applying a frictional heating source to a workpiece to plasticize a volume of the workpiece and applying the frictional heating source to to a filler material to plasticize the filler material. The method further includes introducing the filler material into the volume of the workpiece and incorporating the filler material into the volume of the workpiece.

Abstract: Clad sheet made up of a core sheet and a cladding layer on one or two core sheet surfaces. The core sheet is formed of an alloy having the composition (% by weight) Si: 0.7-1.3, Mg: 0.6-1.2, Cu: 0.5-1.1, Mn: 0.15-1.0, Zn<0.5, Fe<0.5, Zr<0.2, Cr<0.25, other elements <0.05 each and <0.15 total, the remainder aluminum. The cladding is formed of an AlZn alloy having a thickness of between 1 and 15% of the clad sheet thickness, having the composition (% by weight) Zn: 0.25-0.7, Fe<0.40, Si<0.40, Cu, Mn, Mg, V or Ti <0.10, other elements <0.05 each and 0.15 total.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radial-type ceramic electronic component that can prevent cracking in the ceramic substrate and detachment of the terminal electrodes due to the contractile stresses in the solder. A ceramic electronic component element 1 is equipped with terminal electrodes 11 and 12 on either end of a ceramic substrate 10. A pair of lead wires 2 and 3 are soldered to the terminal electrodes 11 and 12. The support parts 2B and 3B of the lead wires 2 and 3 are bent from the soldering parts 2A and 3A in a direction away from the terminal electrodes 11 and 12.

Abstract: A rim member 120 forming an entrance 110 and a plate 11 (21) are friction stir welded by moving a rotary tool 200 along the rim member 120. The rotary tool 120 is tilted along the direction of movement. Welding is started at right block 120R, and when the tool reaches corner portion P5 between the right block 120R and a center block 120C, the tool 200 is pulled out of the rim member 120 and plate 11 (21). Next, the tool is tilted toward the direction of movement along center block 120C. Thereafter, the tool is lowered and inserted to position, and friction stir welding is restarted. According to the invention, the direction of the rotary tool is not changed while the tool is inserted to the rim member 120. This prevents generation of excessive friction heat, and thereby realizes a good weld.

Abstract: A disk for a BLISK rotary stage of a gas turbine engine includes a stub on the tapered circumferential surface of a turbine disk, the stub defining a weld joint surface on the radially outermost face of the stub. The weld joint surface follows the annulus curvature in axial and circumferential directions while remaining flat in a third direction. A blade is applied radially to the stub and linear friction welding of the blade to the stub is effected by oscillating the blade in said third direction while applying a welding force inwardly along the blade.

Abstract: In the friction stir joining apparatus of the present invention, a rotation control unit variably controls a rotational speed of a rotor; and a straight movement control unit controls a straight movement of the rotor so as to control a pressure applied by the rotor to the object. The tip portion of the rotating rotor is pressed against a workpiece, thus spot joining is executed. The apparatus can execute frictional stirring joining without practical trouble under simple control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for friction stir welding that produces a weld of significantly reduced surface roughness at significantly higher welding rates, in materials that are difficult to weld, such as non-extrudable aluminum alloys. The method includes cooling the stir welding tool during the welding process, thereby reducing the tendency of softened metal to adhere to the rotating pin and shoulder of the tool. The apparatus includes a tool with internal spaces or an external jacket, through which coolant can be pumped to remove heat and cool the tool during welding operations. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a device for spraying a coolant onto exterior surfaces of the distal end of the welding tool to thereby remove heat from the tool, and the surrounding workpiece, during welding.