FRICTION STIR WELDING SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT FOR THIN-GAUGE AEROSPACE STRUCTURES

摘要

The Eclipse 500 is a new entry in the general aviation twin-engine jet market. What sets it apart is the price for performance that it offers. One of the enabling technologies making the Eclipse 500 a reality is friction stir welding (FSW). MTS Systems Corporation under contract to Eclipse Aviation has developed a FSW system capable of welding thin-gauge, complex-contour structures. This paper describes the design and capabilities of this 7-axis FSW system. Included is a description of the basic manipulator design, the custom designed MTS weld head, the system instrumentation and sensors, the system controller, and the system software. The capabilities of the system for process monitoring and control arc also described.