Patent ID: 6799708
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A device for joining workpieces by friction stir welding along a connecting area in which the work pieces are disposed closely adjacent one another along a connecting area, comprising: a shaft supported so as to be rotatable about its axis, said shaft having a driven end to be rotated and, at its end opposite the driven end, a pin-like projection for placement into the connecting area of said workpieces whereby the workpiece material, which, in the connecting area, is in contact with said pin-like projection, is plasticized by friction heat when said pin-like projection is rotated, said device including first and second stops with first and second shoulders disposed around said pin-like projection at opposite sides of said workpieces, at least one of said stops being axially movably supported, and means for biasing said at least one stop toward said other stop with a controllable predetermined force which is independent of thickness variations of said workplaces for controllably engaging said workpieces therebetween during the friction stir welding procedure.