what is friction stir welding used to make
FSW has been used to weld many softer materials (aluminum, copper, magnesium, etc.) for over a decade, and has more recently shown promise for welding harder metal alloys (steels, titanium, and nickel). Shown in Figure 4 is a typical friction stir weld made on Â¾-in. (19-mm) thick high-strength steel. Research is currently underway to evaluate tool life and weld properties for FSW of steel. EWI has been working to advance the friction welding processes for nearly 25 years.