Patent ID: 7121448

Claim:
A friction stir welding apparatus operable for joining one or more similar or dissimilar materials forming a workpiece along a joint to be welded, the friction stir welding apparatus comprising: a pin tool apparatus selectively disposed adjacent to and in direct contact with a first surface of the workpiece along the joint to be welded: a heating member disposed adjacent to a second surface of the workpiece along the joint to be welded, the heating member operable for controllably heating at least a portion of the workpiece adjacent to the joint to be welded, wherein the heating member is operable for generating a temperature of between about 500 degrees F. and about 2,500 degrees F.; a cooling member disposed about at least a portion of the heating member, the cooling member operable for controlling a temperature of the heating member; and a substantially rigid plate disposed about at least a portion of the cooling member, the substantially rigid plate operable for supporting at least a portion of the workpiece.