A method for joining dissimilar metals according to the embodiment is a method for butt-joining, using frictional heat, a first member having a plate shape and containing first metal and a second member having a plate shape and containing second metal having a melting point higher than that of the first metal. The method for joining dissimilar metals includes: overlapping an end portion of the second member on an end portion of the first member; and pressurizing the second member toward the first member by bringing a rotating joining tool having a protruding portion at a tip end into contact with an overlapping portion of the second member with the first member. When the second member is pressurized toward the first member, the tip end of the rotating joining tool is not in contact with the first member.

The invention discloses a semi-solid additive manufacturing equipment and its manufacturing procedure. The equipment comprises a friction stir tool, a metal substrate and the additive metal material. The friction stir tool applies force to fixate the additive metal material to the metal substrate. The friction stir tool rotates, generate heat by making friction with the additive metal material and cuts into the additive metal material after it turns into semi-solid form. The friction stir tool moves along the direction of the additive metal material while continue applying force to fixate the metal material to the metal substrate. The said additive manufacturing equipment applies the concept of semi-solid formation, friction stir welding, and machinery theory to additive manufacturing and 3D printing. The results are improved process efficiency, enhanced product quality, increased material selections and cost reduction.

A friction stirring tool includes a first rotating tool which has a first tool main body having a first shoulder portion which comes into contact with the obverse surface of a groove portion, a first probe projecting to a front end side from the first tool main body, and a protruding portion projecting to the front end side from the first probe, and a second rotating tool which has a second tool main body having a second shoulder portion which comes into contact with the reverse surface of the groove portion, a second probe projecting to a front end side from the second tool main body, and a protrusion accommodating portion provided on the second probe and capable of accommodating the protruding portion of the first rotating tool.

A method for welding a first component to a second component. The method includes providing a first component including a first alloy, providing a second component including a second alloy, heating the first component, and solid state welding the second component to the first component.

A low-temperature joining method effectively suppresses reductions in the mechanical properties of a junction of various types of high-tensile steel or aluminum, and of a heat-affected zone; and produces a joint structure. A method for joining two metal materials by forming a joint interface in which the two metal materials face each other at a joint portion and plunge a rotation tool caused to rotate at a prescribed speed into the joint, the method for low-temperature joining of metal materials characterized in that the peripheral velocity of the outermost periphery of the rotation tool is set to 51 mm/s or less, whereby the recrystallization temperature inherent to the metal materials is reduced by introducing a large strain to the joint, and recrystallized grains are generated at the joint interface by setting the joining temperature to less than the recrystallization temperature inherent to the metal materials.

A friction stir welding device includes a table that has a placement surface on which a workpiece is to be placed and is rotatable about a table rotation axis intersecting the placement surface, a tool holder movable relative to the table in a direction along the placement surface and rotatable about a holder rotation axis parallel to the table rotation axis, and a welding tool supported by the tool holder and rotating about a tool rotation axis intersecting the holder rotation axis. A control device has a biaxial operation mode in which the welding tool in a rotating state is pressed against a welding portion of a side surface of the workpiece, the welding tool is relatively moved along the welding portion by rotating the table, and the tool holder is rotated so that the welding tool is directed in a normal direction of the welding portion.

A spot-joining apparatus comprises a motor, a punch for driving a fastener or performing a clinching or friction stir spot welding operation, a first transmission, a second transmission and a transmission control apparatus. The first transmission is configured to transfer rotary motion of the motor to the punch when engaged. The second transmission is configured to convert rotary motion of the motor to linear motion of the punch, and thereby drive the punch towards a workpiece, when engaged. The transmission control apparatus is arranged to selectively adjust the degree of engagement of at least one of the first and second transmissions. Further apparatus for spot joining, and methods of spot-joining, are also disclosed.

The friction stir welding head presented herein includes a head housing and an axle. The head housing extends from a top end to an open bottom end and defines a bore extending between the top end and the open bottom end. The axle that is coaxial with and rotatable within the bore. The axle is also laterally secured within the head housing and axially movable with respect to the head housing. Still further, the axle includes an engagement end that extends beyond the open bottom end of the head housing. The engagement end supports a friction stir welding tool that is configured to rotate with the axle to effectuate friction stir welding operations. The friction stir welding head may also include a load cell configured to generate load signals in response to axial movement of the axle.

The friction stir welding head presented herein includes a head housing and an axle. The head housing extends from a top end to an open bottom end and defines a bore extending between the top end and the open bottom end. The axle that is coaxial with and rotatable within the bore. The axle is also laterally secured within the head housing and axially movable with respect to the head housing. Still further, the axle includes an engagement end that extends beyond the open bottom end of the head housing. The engagement end supports a friction stir welding tool that is configured to rotate with the axle to effectuate friction stir welding operations. The friction stir welding head may also include a load cell configured to generate load signals in response to axial movement of the axle.

According to one embodiment, a friction stir welding tool includes a probe pin part and a shoulder part. The probe pin part has a spiral first groove and a spiral second groove. The spiral first groove is provided at one end portion of the probe pin part. The second groove is provided at the other end portion of the probe pin part and has the reverse thread orientation of the first groove. The probe pin part has a columnar shape. The shoulder part has a first hole. A spiral ridge conforming to the second groove is provided on an inner wall of the first hole. The probe pin part and the shoulder part are fastened at the second groove. A portion of the probe pin part where the first groove is provided protrudes from an end face of the shoulder part.