MULTIPLE PASS AND MULTIPLE LAYER FRICTION STIR WELDING AND MATERIAL ENHANCEMENT PROCESSES

摘要

Processes for friction stir welding, typically for comparatively thick plate materials using multiple passes and multiple layers of a friction stir welding tool. In some embodiments a first portion (10) of a fabrication preform and a second portion (12) of the fabrication preform are placed adjacent to each other to form a joint, and there is a groove (22) adjacent the joint. The joint is welded and then, a filler is disposed in the groove, and the seams between the filler and the first and second portions of the fabrication preform may be friction stir welded.