Tool technology for high-quality friction
To ensure successful FSW, tool technology is as important as system technology.
It is very important to us to provide you with the right tools: our wear-resistant and robust FSW tools are developed in-house by Grenzebach experts and customized for your requirements.
The holistic Grenzebach solution leaves nothing to chance. There are two options for FSW friction tools: one-piece (MonoSTIR) and two-piece tools (DynaSTIR). Our portfolio contains both!
One-piece welding tool with rotating shoulder
MonoSTIR friction-stir-welding technology
Two-piece tool with rotating friction pin and nonrotating shoulder
DynaSTIR friction-stir-welding technology
In brief: MonoSTIR tool technology for friction stir welding
The process in brief: the rotating, wear-resistant welding tool (1) dips into the weld seam (2), tilts to an angle of 0 - 5° (3) and generates heat through friction. The material becomes malleable and is stirred by the tool’s forward progress along the seam (4). When the tool is removed from the seam, the result is a firm, media-tight, pressure-proof bond between the two workpieces (5).
Characteristics – compared to DynaSTIR:
- Rougher surface
- A burr is usually formed
- Higher heat input and thus greater warping
- Higher welding speed as of a welding depth of 4 mm (0.16 in)
- Wider shoulder
DynaSTIR: dynamic tool technology for friction stir welding
We asked ourselves how we could make a good process even better. The answer is DynaSTIR tool technology. The special feature: the welding tool is built in two pieces and the tool shoulder glides over the weld seam without rotating. The results of numerous installations speak for themselves.
Characteristics – compared to MonoSTIR:
- Smoother surface
- Usually no burr is formed
- Lower heat input and thus less warping
- Slower welding speed as of a welding depth of 4 mm (0.16 in)
- Narrower shoulder
“Our ultimate technological goal is to ensure that our customers always achieve the best possible weld seam and surface qualities. For this purpose, either universal, widely tested standard tools for generalized applications can be used or individual adaptations to special customer requirements can be made. The friction tools with stationary shoulders further developed by Grenzebach offer an especially wide range of possibilities for tailoring and optimizing specific applications.”
From 3D model to finished welding program in just a few clicks
Professional CAD/CAM
The programming software specially developed for friction stir welding processes makes it easier for users to create welding programs. In addition to the weld path and the FSW process parameters, control over clamping devices can also be programmed in the CAD/CAM environment. Programming is carried out offline on a separate PC so it doesn’t slow down the system. The finished welding program can then easily be installed onto the system via a USB or network connection.
- Import of 3D models
- Geometry selection and path definition in the 3D model
- Simple modification options for the path geometry
- Definition of FSW process parameters and changes for individual path points and segments
- Insertion of action points in the weld path
- Collision detection of tools and parts
- Reachability check
- Possibility of importing different reaming tool geometries
- Creation and management of a tool database
- Documentation function and traceability of parameter or path changes, for example
Further solutions
Friction stir welding
For North America
Your contact person: John Fluker
Do you have questions about friction stir welding? Would you like to know whether a new idea can be implemented with FSW? Or do you need support in selecting a system? Please contact us. We'll be happy to advise you!
For all other regions
Your contact person: Sahin Sünger
Do you have questions about friction stir welding? Would you like to know whether a new idea can be implemented with FSW? Or do you need support in selecting a system? Please contact us. We'll be happy to advise you!
