StiRoLight - Robotic Friction Stir Welding - FFI project

This movie was made by University West and partners to demonstrate research on the process Friction Stir Welding and how it can be automated. In this process a rotating tool moves forward between two plates that are in contact with each other. The metal is not melted as in ordinary welding, but it softens due to the frictional heat so that the plates fuse. The many advantages with the method are explained in the movie. Friction Stir Welding is shown on an aluminum hood structure of a car that is being built. Simulation and programming techniques are also demonstrated. Findings of the research make clear the feasibility and applicability of Robotic Friction Stir Welding in automotive and similar products. This can make cars lighter and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The StiRoLight research project was funded by Vinnova, within the FFI program. Partners in the project have been Volvo, University West, SAAB Automobile, Innovatum Teknikpark and ESAB. Great work by all partners!

[@mohdmoinkhan3001]

I like this process because there are no use any type of flux and minimum heat affected zone (HAZ).I learn many time friction stire weldig because I am welding Engineer.

[@mohammadrezaesfandiari4399]

spot impact

[@deeremeyer1749]

You can join DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATERIALS LIKE MAGNESIUM AND ALUMINUM? Those two metals are about as challenging to "join" and as different from each other as tin and lead.

Have not tested that. In principle, yes, but should need a thorough investigation. We have successfully joined different aluminum alloys, which are hard to weld, if not impossible, using MIG or similar methods. Last study was a Al cast with Al plate alloy. Tricky, but worked OK. Somepeople are working on Steel - Al, but then it is more like bonding process.

[@Edzmunds]

Have You made any publications for these studies? It would be interesting to know more about this! Thank You!

It is tricky to join even different Al alloys. Some Al alloys are considered un-weldable using standard welding techniques, but can be welded using FSW. And then we have a problem with complex geometries, such as uneven heat dissipation. We run some studies in this area and develop unique process control where the temperature is measured in-process. SOme limited publicaitons about different materials I think. We only work in al alloys.

[@MrBboyer0105]

Only to the uninformed.