Patent ID: 7866532
Filing Date: 2011-01-11
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method for performing circumferential stir welding without an internal mandrel or any other hardware for providing internal support to pieces being welded, comprising: providing a first ring assembly, comprising: (i) an inner ring interconnected to an outer ring by way of a center ring; (ii) a plurality of clamp assemblies interconnected to a first surface of said center ring; and (iii) a plurality of plates interconnected to a second surface of said center ring providing a second ring assembly, comprising: (iv) an inner ring interconnected to an outer ring by way of a center ring; (v) a plurality of clamp assemblies interconnected to a first surface of said center ring; and (vi) a plurality of plates interconnected to a second surface of said center ring; providing a first plate having an arcuate outer surface and a first end; providing a second plate having an arcuate outer surface and a second end; aligning said outer surface of said first plate and said second plate such that said first end and said second end are abutted to form a seam; positioning said first ring assembly adjacent to said first end; positioning said second ring assembly adjacent to said second end, wherein said first ring assembly is spaced from said second ring assembly with said seam therebetween and wherein said inner surface of said first ring assembly and said second ring assembly are unsupported in a normal direction; creating a bore in said first plate and said second plate wherein a portion of said bore is intersected by said seam; placing a pin of a rotating tool within said bore; forcing said tool onto said first plate and said second plate wherein said force is reacted only by at least one of said first ring assembly and said second ring assembly; rotating said tool; translating said tool with respect to said first plate and said second plate to form a weld therebetween; removing said pin from said seam to reveal a hole; and plugging the hole.