How does Friction Welding Work?
Traditionally, friction welding is carried out by moving one component relative to the other along a common interface, while applying a compressive force across the joint. The friction heating generated at the interface softens both components, and when they become plasticised the interface material is extruded out of the edges of the joint so that clean material from each component is left along the original interface. The relative motion is then stopped, and a higher final compressive force may be applied before the joint is allowed to cool. The key to friction welding is that no molten material is generated, the weld being formed in the solid state.
