When you think about the welding process, the first thing that comes to your mind is the idea of joining metal to an arc using heat, a laser, or a gas flame. However, friction welding is different from that. It is a solid-state welding process that uses friction to weld materials. Friction welding is becoming a common welding method in different industries.
Friction Welding has three categories. It is useful in such industries for joining various big metal parts and gives enough strength to withstand extreme conditions.
This blog post will talk about the friction welding process and how it is helpful in aviation welding. It will also introduce you to the types of friction welding procedures.
What Is Friction Welding?
Friction welding is a solid state process of welding. By solid state, we mean that no melting occurs during the process. In this friction welding process, two materials are rubbed together, resulting in friction that generates the heat to soften them and join them.
Friction is applied until the plastic forming temperature is achieved, about 900-1300 degrees Celsius. There is no use of third-party fillers in this process. The whole process is monitored to achieve the desired temperature level for generating heat with friction.
Friction Welding Types
Linear Friction Welding
Two materials of almost the same shape are joined together by this method. In this case, one of them moves in an oscillating motion while pressure is applied to join them. Once the required oscillating velocity is achieved, the parts are forced together and welded.
Rotary Friction Welding
Rotary friction welding is similar to linear friction welding, but one of the metal parts is round in this method. The round part is rotated at a certain speed while pressure is applied from behind the other part. The combination of pressure and speed creates friction welding.
Friction Stir Welding
This process uses a non-consumable tool to generate pressure and velocity. The tool spins at a rapid speed, and the pressure and velocity result in friction welding.
How Is Friction Welding Beneficial For The Aerospace Industry?
Friction welding brings about numerous benefits in the aviation welding industry. The aviation industry is one that requires high-quality precision. Friction Welding is beneficial for aerospace in the following ways:
Stronger Welding
Friction welding results in a much stronger weld. Aviation welding comprises joining complex mechanical parts that require strength to withstand harsh conditions. Friction welding provides a long-lasting weld for such conditions.
Joining Dissimilar Parts
Another pro of friction welding is that it can join different parts. Welding lighter materials is difficult because it makes them brittle in the process. Friction welding allows easy welding of such parts. This results in reduced part weight and better fuel efficiency.
Retains Shape
Friction welding allows materials to retain their shape during the process. Unlike other processes, this procedure avoids solidification cracks and pores in the material. Solidification cracks are the formation of cracks during the solidification of metals. It can deform the materials, which can be problematic in the aviation process.
Reduced Costs
Friction welding is a cheaper process when compared to other aviation welding processes. It costs less to join two pieces together because of its versatility. The linear and rotary processes require minimal machanicing, thereby saving you on labor and machine costs.
Variety Of Metals
This process can weld a wide variety of metals. This includes steel, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, copper, and more. Its versatility allows you to weld dissimilar metals.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is an aviation welding company that specializes in welding processes. We have vast product design and manufacturing capabilities and are a highly qualified welding company in Edmonton that caters to your aviation welding needs. To learn more about us, click here.
