Patent ID: 6572007
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A method of attaching metal members for forming an automotive vehicle structure, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a first metal member; (b) contacting the first metal member with a second metal member; (c) providing a substantially cylindrical rotatable member with a central axis and an axially extending passage, wherein the rotatable member is formed of a material with a melting point and hardness higher than that of the first and second metal members; (d) rotating the rotatable member while frictionally engaging it with the first metal member for locally heating and melting a portion of the first metal member; (e) penetrating the rotatable member through the first metal member; (f) rotating the rotatable member while frictionally engaging it with the second metal member for locally heating and melting a portion of the second metal member; (g) feeding a wire through the axially extending passage; (h) melting the wire as it exits the axially extending passage; (i) mixing the resulting molten wire with the resulting molten metal of the first and second member; and (j) solidifying the resulting mixture to form a joint.