Analysis of low force friction welding process in the industrial environment

Abstract

The low force friction welding process is a relatively new technology for welding two components together. The process developed just a few years ago has not been sufficiently researched to date to extend the knowledge about the process and its advantages. Under this process, most of the heat energy required for the welded joint comes from the induction coil. The process has many advantages over the butt friction welding method that determine the industrial application of the new technology. The advantages certainly include the lack of butt, an option of welding various materials, easy control of process parameters, short cycle time, and process stability. One of the companies using this technology is Federal Mogul Gorzyce based in Poland, using low force friction welding to produce small steel pistons. This paper analyses the low force friction welding process. The key process parameters, welding stages, and an analysis of the welded joint were presented. This paper discusses the issue of low force friction welding because of the attractiveness of this technique for the industrial application and the scarcity of literature relating to this process.