Friction Welding

Chicago Turnrite’s Friction Welding / Inertia Welding capabilities allow for the welding of similar or dissimilar materials in various shapes and sizes. This welding process has significant advantages over conventional welding in that it is highly repeatable, creates material savings, and reduces machining after welding. The most significant advantage of Friction Welding / Inertia Welding is that it results in the part’s joint strength being equal to or greater than the parent material.

During the friction welding / inertia welding process, heat is generated at the joint by rotating one component to the other at a constant or varied RPM, with an axial force applied to the mating component. Energy is provided to this joint from a continuously running motor, usually electric, which is connected to the machine spindle. The energy source is infinite with respect to time and is supplied at the interface until the total proper heat is attained. When this temperature is reached, the spindle is stopped and a forging load is applied axially until the weld is complete.

Chicago Turnrite’s sophisticated Friction Welding / Inertia Welding machinery automatically monitors cycles over time to insure welds and parts are within established specifications. The machinery controls upper and lower limit variables through the computer and will “fault out” in the event a weld is not within parameters.

Known Materials That Can Be Friction and/or Inertia Welded