Patent ID: 7770777
Filing Date: 2010-08-10
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method for welding a first workpiece to a second workpiece using a portable friction forge welder, comprising the steps of: forcibly positioning the first workpiece against the second workpiece by applying a predetermined axial force to the first workpiece by a pre-energized, stored energy linear actuator prior to a rotating step; starting a timer and a rotating step to begin a predetermined forgeable time period after the positioning step; rotating the first workpiece at a predetermined angular velocity for the predetermined forgeable time period to ensure a satisfactory friction forge weld at an interface between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, the forgeable time period beginning after the predetermined axial force is applied in the positioning step; and stopping the timer and the rotating step at the end of the forgeable time period and maintaining the predetermined axial force until the interface between the first workpiece and the second workpiece has cooled to form a friction weld.