Novel spot welding tech - Low force solid-state welded joints

[Soupcat]

Hi all. I am working with a University that has developed a novel and innovative spot welding technology designed to directly address the limitations and challenges of existing resistance spot welding (RSW) and friction stir spot welding (FSSW) techniques. RSSW creates opportunities to create solid-state welded joints across a much broader range of materials and section thicknesses using smaller, lower energy input, lower pressure machines, without compromising on production rate or joint quality. This innovation can facilitate the welding of much thicker section materials and high-strength-to-weight aluminium alloys with a process that can easily be managed on compact machines, including via robotic welding arms.

The researchers are not in sales mode presently. I am however keen to speak with user experts, perhaps from large aerospace or automotive companies to get good constructive feedback with respect to better understanding the problems it could solve or opportunities it could create. Would you have any suggestions on who would be good to speak with in that regard?

K.

 

[Sparweb]

solid-state welded joints

Does not compute.
Welding by definition converts some of the base metal to liquid form.
For completeness' sake, there's also brazing and soldering.
Only soldering leaves the base metal parts relatively unchanged by the joining operation, hence, in a "solid state" as you put it.

So are you soldering aluminum??

 

[kingnero]

Friction Stir Welding is universally the most known or best example of solid state welding. Why would this not compute? Definitions have changed since I went to school, I'm guessing you also have the conventional definition in mind.

@OP, please be a bit more specific what you would like to hear feedback about. Lots of people here with valuable experience, and that probably are able to answer your questions.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Friction stir welding still locally liquifies the metal and solidifies it.

I find it hard to visualize what the OP is attempting to do. Every weld that I have ever seen involves workpieces that are clamped or otherwise held in position while the weld is performed. "Spot welding" in my world (auto parts) implies sheet metal, and clamping them together while welding (via the spot weld electrodes) overcomes minor gaps which are always present. We MIG the heavy stuff. No experience with FSW.

 

[SwinnyGG]

Friction stir welding still locally liquifies the metal and solidifies it.

This is not actually correct.

FSW joins by creating a local soft region and literally smearing base metal together. There is no melting at all, all they way down to the microscopic level. It's literally like smashing clay together. The finished weld zone is effectively an area that has been continuously forged.

 

[3DDave]

It's a marketing bot. They put in replies that match some keyword and include a link to the company they are advertising for.