Patent ID: 9033205
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A friction stir welding method, comprising: preheating a joint between a first part and a second part with a preheating device; directing a friction stir welding tool along the joint between the first part and the second part to form a weld therebetween, the friction stir welding tool comprising the preheating device offset a first distance ahead of a rotating portion of the friction stir welding tool and a cooling regulating device disposed a second distance behind the rotating portion of the friction stir welding tool; measuring a temperature of a welded portion of the joint proximate the cooling regulating device; measuring a temperature of the joint at the rotating portion of the friction stir welding tool; and adjusting a cooling rate of the welded portion of the joint based upon the measured temperatures to achieve a desired cooling rate with the cooling regulating device, the cooling regulating device configured to be in thermal contact with the welded portion of the joint, wherein the preheating device preheats the joint while the friction stir welding tool is being directed along the joint.