Friction stir welding devices and methods for tandem tool and anvil

摘要

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) devices and methods for simultaneously welding both sides of an arcuate joint are described. The FSW method includes the step of operating a FSW tool and an anvil on the exterior surface of the joint and simultaneously operating another FSW tool and anvil on the interior surface of the joint. The anvils are positioned in a juxtaposing manner to the FSW tools, and move in tandem with the FSW tools, thus providing a supporting force to the FSW tools during their operation.

主权项

1. A method of friction stir welding an arcuate joint formed by a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment, comprising:
simultaneously operating (i) a first FSW tool on an exterior surface of the joint by rotating and traveling the first FSW tool along the exterior surface of the joint at a first penetration depth, and (ii) a second FSW tool on an interior surface of the joint by rotating and traveling the second FSW tool along the interior surface of the joint at a second penetration depth; traveling a first anvil on the interior surface of the joint in an opposing manner to the first FSW tool to provide a first juxtaposing force that supports the first FSW tool during operation; wherein the first anvil is rotatably coupled with a first arm through a coupling and the second FSW tool is rotatably coupled with a second arm through a head; wherein the first and second arms are coupled via a press; and traveling a second anvil on the exterior surface of the joint in an opposing manner to the second FSW tool to provide a second juxtaposing force that supports the second FSW tool during operation.