Friction stir welding tool ｜ NTK Ceramics
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid‑state joining process developed in the UK in 1991. A rotating tool generates frictional heat and plastic flow, forming a high‑strength joint without melting the base materials.
Unlike fusion welding, FSW does not melt the base materials, resulting in minimal distortion, refined grain structure, excellent joint strength, and improved energy efficiency.
While welding technologies for aluminum alloys are advancing in vehicle manufacturing, iron/steel materials pose challenges due to their high softening temperatures and the limited availability of cost-effective, high-temperature-resistant tools.
NTK CUTTING TOOLS is driving progress in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) for these materials by utilizing its expertise in ceramic materials and advanced technologies.
| Â | Tool life | Tool cost |
|---|---|---|
| NTK Ceramics | â—‹ | â—Ž |
| CBN type | â—Ž | Ă— |
| Carbides | Processing not possible (tool melting) | |
| HSS | Processing not possible (tool melting) | |
*Ferrous metals: steel, stainless steel, copper
| Line Welding conditions guideline | Rotation speed (min-1) |
1000 – 2000 |
| Welding speed (mm/min) (SFM) |
1000 – 2000 3.3 – 6.6 |
| Tool Materials | High Strength SiAlON Ceramics |
| Fine particle cemented carbide | |
| Shank dia. | ⌀ 8, 10, 12, 16, 20mm .320, .400, .472, .630, 787inches*Availability larger than ⌀ 20 mm .787” is available, |
Previously, SUS was sprayed onto steel to improve surface performance.
These materials can now be easily joined using FSW.
| High-tensile steel | ||
|---|---|---|
| Welding method | Line welding | |
| Welding material |
Material | SPFC980 (High-tensile980MPa) |
| Thickness (mm) (inch) | 1.2 .047 | |
| Tool shape | Shank Dia. (mm) (inch) | ⌀ 6 .236 |
| Shoulder Dia. (mm) (inch) | ⌀ 6 .236 | |
| Probe Dia. (mm) (inch) | ⌀ 3 .120 | |
| Probe length (mm) (inch) | 0.9 .035 | |
| Welding conditions |
Rotation speed (min-1) |
1000 |
| Welding speed (mm/min) (SFM) |
100 .328 | |
| Welding distance (mm) (inch) | 850 33.5 | |
| Thick steel plate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Welding method | Line welding | |
| Welding material |
Material | Low carbon steel |
| Thickness (mm) (inch) | 15 .60 | |
| Tool shape | Shank Dia. (mm) (inch) | ⌀ 37.5 1.48 |
| Shoulder Dia. (mm) (inch) | ⌀ 37.5 1.48 | |
| Probe Dia. (mm) (inch) | ⌀ 18.5 .728 | |
| Probe length (mm) (inch) | 14.7 .579 | |
| Welding conditions |
Rotation speed (min-1) |
200 |
| Welding speed (mm/min) (SFM) |
50 .164 | |
| Welding distance (mm) (inch) | 500 19.7 | |
Before Welding
Conventional method – Welding
FSW (friction stir welding)
Joining without melting the base material, with minimal post-Welding deformation.
For more information about this product, visit our online e-catalog, or download the catalog/product report