Automated High Speed Friction Spin Welding for Higher Integrity Welds of Dissimilar Metals

Coldwater Machine Company (Coldwater, OH) offers their automated SpinMeld^TM friction spin welding (FSW) system that can join steels, aluminum, cast or sintered metals, magnesium, brass, carbon fiber composites, ceramics with mixed metal connections, and dissimilar combinations of these materials. Capable of extremely fast weld times typically under three seconds, SpinMeld systems can reduce cycle times, lower heat input to produce a higher integrity weld as compared to other joining methods.

SpinMeld systems feature fully automated part load/unload and inspection capability. The systems are available as stand-alone units or may be integrated into an automation solution. Each machine is designed to fit the individual application with parameters such as rotational speeds, cycle times, and forging forces fully customizable. The SpinMeld process is servo-controlled, with a high speed spindle bringing critical parameters under control with in-process monitoring to improve part quality and eliminate post weld inspection. The system can also clock or set angular position to align part features to very tight tolerances.

This is an environmentally friendly process that eliminates the need for filler metals, fluxes or shielding gases. It also produces higher quality joints with small heat affected areas and consistency in weld duplication.

Coldwater Machine Company, 911 North Second Street, Coldwater, OH 45828-8736, 419-678-4877, www.coldwatermachine.com.