Patent ID: 8800847
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a friction stir welding operation, the method comprising: initiating friction stir welding of a first part to a second part with a friction stir welding tool along a welding path, the welding path corresponding to a junction between the first part and the second part; determining a position of the friction stir welding tool during the friction stir welding; determining a position of at least one of the first part and the second part, downstream of the friction stir welding tool; predicting an amount of lateral displacement of the junction with respect to the welding path using at least the determined positions; and dynamically correcting the welding path of the friction stir welding tool while friction stir welding the first part to the second part to account for the predicted lateral displacement of the junction with respect to the welding path during the welding operation.