Friction Spot Welding and Friction Seam Welding

摘要

Systems and methods for spot welding and seam welding an upper material layer to a lower material layer using a rod. The rod can be a non-consumable rod or a consumable rod.

主权项

1. A method of spot welding an upper material layer to a lower material layer relative to a welding axis, the upper material layer being positioned in overlying relation to at least a portion of the lower material layer, the upper and lower material layers having respective top and bottom surfaces, the method comprising:
axially advancing and rotating a rod relative to the welding axis such that a distal end of the rod contacts the top surface of the upper material layer; applying an axial force to the rotating rod such that frictional heat between the distal end of the rod and the upper material layer plasticizes a portion of the upper material layer; with a portion of the upper material layer plasticized, applying the axial force to the rotating rod such that a portion of the bottom surface of the upper material layer and a portion of the top surface of the lower material layer are deformed, thereby forming a metallurgical bond between the upper and lower material layers; and axially retracting the rod relative to the welding axis such that the distal end of the rod is removed from contact with the top surface of the upper material layer.