Friction-stir weld tool for aerospace, automotive or railway systems has drive shank linked to weld pin by slip bearing

摘要

A friction-stir weld tool (1) gas a rotating tool body (2) whose distal end has a shoulder (3, 3') de-coupled from a pin (4) extension of smaller diameter than the shoulder. Should the pin rotate, the shoulder rotation is zero. The shoulder and pin are linked by a slip-bearing or roller-bearing (5). Also claimed is a commensurate friction-stir weld process.