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Friction Stir Welding Tools and Developments

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Abstract

The basic principle of Friction Stir welding (FSW) is described. Certain applications (butt and lap welding) are reviewed, with particular emphasis on probe types currently under development (Flared-Triflute™ probe and an A-Skew™ probe). Both give lap welds of 190% of the plate thickness, an improvement in weld integrity, a reduction in upper plate thinning and an increased welding speed over current practice. Butt welds produced with Whorl™ and MX-Triflute™ frustum-shaped probes that gave acceptable weld quality are also described.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Welding Institute, TWI Ltd, UK

    W. M. Thomas, D. G. Staines, I. M. Norris & R. de Frias

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  1. W. M. Thomas
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  2. D. G. Staines
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  3. I. M. Norris
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  4. R. de Frias
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Thomas, W.M., Staines, D.G., Norris, I.M. et al. Friction Stir Welding Tools and Developments. Weld World 47, 10–17 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03266403

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