Patent ID: 6367681
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
A friction stir welding apparatus, comprising:a rotatably driven friction stir welding tool adapted to penetrate a joint between a pair of workpieces and plasticize the material of the workpieces on either side of the joint; a second friction stir welding tool adapted to apply a containing load on the workpieces in opposition to the rotatably driven friction stir welding tool; and a generally C-shaped frame having first and second spaced-apart jaws opposing one another and defining a workpiece-receiving space therebetween, the first jaw rotatably supporting the rotatably driven friction stir welding tool and the second jaw supporting the second friction stir welding tool, the frame absorbing thrust loads applied to the welding tools and being adapted to maintain the rotatably driven friction stir welding tool in penetrating engagement with the workpieces.