Patent ID: 6729526
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A friction stir welding apparatus for joining members of a work by inserting a rotating tool rotated by a spindle motor into the work and moving the rotating tool relative to the work, comprising:revolution speed setting means for setting a revolution speed of the tool; insertion speed setting means for setting a constant insertion speed at which the tool rotating at a constant revolution speed is inserted into the work; load factor setting means for setting a load factor of the spindle motor relative to a maximum tool rotation output or an insertion depth setting means for setting an insertion depth into the work; hold time setting means for setting a hold time during which the tool is held where it is when the load factor or insertion depth reaches the set value; joining speed setting means for setting a constant joining speed at which the tool is moved in a joining direction to join the members of the work; and a controller for controlling a relative distance in a tool insertion direction between the tool and the work or an insertion depth of the tool into the work so that a load factor or electric current of the spindle motor for rotating the tool is within a predetermined range.