The benefits of friction stir welding process have been recognised in the welding industry for a long period of time. However, the actual implementation of the process to a natural part of a manufacturing process still has some entry barriers to overcome. The issues affecting this are typically related to profitability and productivity compared to conventional arc welding processes, challenges in extreme welding conditions or materials, or metallurgigal issues setting limitations to conventional joining processes. Welding of thick copper is a new area for successful friction stir welding. FSW has shown to be an excellent solution in conditions where only the most perfect welding quality is approved and where a single fault could result in dramatic consequences. On welding of aluminium, the welding speeds achieved with properly built FSW equipment are significantly higher than those typical to arc welding processes. Welding speed of 6000 mm / min. in AA 6000 series is possible with today's equipment and latest technology and know-how. In order to make FSW more easily available to each workshop, the modular concept for FSW machines has been introduced, making it a flexible and economical way to introduce FSW process in various manufacturing units and fields of applications.
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