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Welding automation

Friction Stir welding

ESAB Friction Stir Welding ESAB LEGIO™
ESAB has extended its product programme to include machines The ESAB LEGIO™ concept combines the latest technology
for the Friction Stir Welding method (FSW). This method has with proven quality. The modular system makes it possible to
been developed and patented by TWI in the UK. assemble welding stations to suit the most varied friction stir
The FSW method is based on the principle of obtaining suffi- welding applications.
ciently high temperatures to forge two aluminium components, The LEGIO™ system consists of five basic designs in a series
using a rotating tool that moves along the joint. of seven sizes, covering a welding depth of 1.2 mm to 60 mm.
Using the FSW method, aluminium components are joined These basic types can be supplemented with different types of
together without increasing the temperature above melting equipment to suit the most varied production needs and give
point. maximum flexibility to any production line.
The Friction Stir Welding of aluminium has been shown to pro- The S- and the U-models are designed to be easily integrated
duce joints with high-strength values and without inclusions and with larger fixtures, rotary units and exchangeable clamping sys-
impurities. tems.
Bending tests and tensile tests have been conducted with For the production of smaller workpieces, the UT- and the ST-
superb results. The fatigue properties are outstanding com- model are the most suitable. They have tables prepared with a
pared with other welding methods. hole pattern, where fixtures can be attached.
Furthermore, the joint is almost free from stress and has a per-
fect root surface when welded from one side. This results in a
minimum of supplementary work. ESAB SuperStir™
Friction Stir Welding is ideal for joining straight profiles and flat
plates with a thickness of 1.2-25 mm. When welding materials The ESAB SuperStir™ programme includes a variety of
with a thickness of more than 15 mm, the welding is done from machines developed from a standardized ESAB SuperStir™
both sides. The maximum thickness is around 60 mm at 100% base unit and with working ranges of 0.5 x 1.5 m up to 10x20 m
penetration. within the same concept.
The programme also include customized models of different
Suitable application areas: designs to meet our customers specifications in their different
• Shipbuilding production areas.
• Offshore platforms These different designs are today used worldwide in R&D cent-
• Aerospace industry ers, in joining of extrusions to panels, in production of pressure
• Railway wagons, trams, underground train carriages vessels as well as small parts for the automotive and electronic
• Automotive industry industries etc.
• Production of electric motors
• Defence industry
• Cooling elements
• Basically all aluminium, copper and magnesium alloys can be
friction stir welded with high quality and speed.

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