Patent ID: 7164094
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of welding a solid consumable material to a base material within a welding zone comprising: bringing a working surface of the consumable material into contact with a base surface of the base material, the working surface being urged against the base surface by a contact force, the contact force being applied generally along an axis substantially normal to the base surface; moving the working surface relative to the base surface while maintaining the contact force, thereby generating frictional heating within the welding zone; causing an electrical current to flow through the base material, the electrical current flowing through or closely adjacent the welding zone, thereby generating resistance heating within the welding zone; wherein a cumulative heating of the welding zone by the frictional heating and the resistance heating, in combination with the contact force, are sufficient to weld a portion of the consumable material to the base surface within the welding zone, thereby forming a first weld spot; and withdrawing the consumable material from the base surface, thereby forming a new working surface.