Patent ID: 8141859
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separating a pin tool from a shoulder tool of a friction stir welding tool assembly, said apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting a shoulder tool, where said shoulder tool has a pin tool positioned within a bore of said shoulder tool, said pin tool having been secured to said shoulder tool by a plasticized material forming a weld therebetween during a friction stir welding process; a bushing having a bore, with the bore precisely sized to receive a portion of a length of the shoulder tool therein, and wherein the bore has a shape that is complementary to an external shape of the shoulder tool such that the bore supports the shoulder tool with little or no axial play within the bore, the bushing further being supported by said frame for holding said shoulder tool immovably while force is exerted along an axial center of said pin tool; and a fluid pressure actuating assembly having a piston aligned coaxially with an axial center of said bore, for gradually exerting axial force on said pin tool while said shoulder tool is held fixedly within said bushing, to gradually break said weld and separate said pin tool from said shoulder tool.