Patent ID: 6045028
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A method of friction stir welding two metal workpieces together along a joint therebetween such that the joint has a metallurgically bonded layer of corrosion-resistant material covering an outer surface of the joint, the method comprising:positioning the workpieces in contact with each other to define a joint therebetween along which the workpieces are to be welded together;defining a weld zone spanning the joint between the workpieces which is to rendered plastic for creating a metallurgical bond between the workpieces along the joint, the weld zone having an outer surface;covering the outer surface of the weld zone with a layer of corrosion-resistant material; andfriction stir welding the workpieces together along the joint so as to plasticize the metal in the weld zone, and to cause plastic flow of the corrosion-resistant material along the outer surface of the weld zone and metallurgical bonding of the corrosion-resistant material with a portion of the plasticized metal so as to create a corrosion-resistant material covering the outer surface of the joint.