摘要 |
The machine comprises (i) A wheeled body adapted to support and carry a rotatable probe; (ii) A rotatable probe 22 incorporating a probe head suitable for creating a friction weld joint in work pieces to be joined when the probe head is rotated at speed; (iii) A means of rotating the probe at speeds suitable for forming a joint region in the work pieces; (iv) A track assembly 28 adapted to guide the friction welding machine across the work pieces; (v) A drive means attached to or associated with the body and adapted to drive the welding machine forward along the track assembly; (vi) A loading system to place a downward load on the probe and to urge it into the work pieces; The machine is adapted, in use, to move along the track assembly and to form a joint region in the work pieces as it moves. Alternatively tracks may surround the wheels 21 so that the machine lays its tracks as it moves. |