Patent ID: 6516992
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B23K,B29C

Abstract:
A method of friction stir welding, the method comprising:(a) using a rotating friction stir welding tool to weld a workpiece comprised of a difficult to friction stir weld material, wherein the friction stir welding tool comprises a tool body having a pin and shoulder at a distal end, the pin and shoulder adapted for generating frictional heat when rotating in contact with parts to be welded together, the heat causing a weld to form between the parts, the friction stir welding tool further comprising an internal space defined within the body of the welding tool, the space in fluid communication with a source of coolant and walls of the space in heat conducting communciation with the distal end of the tool body; and (b) simultaneously cooling the distal end of the body by flowing coolant through the internal space during welding operations.