Inertia Friction Welding

Inertia Friction Welding is a variation of friction welding in which the energy required to make the weld is supplied primarily by the stored rotational kinetic energy of the welding machine.

In Inertia Welding, one of the work pieces is connected to a flywheel and the other is restrained from rotating. The flywheel is accelerated to a predetermined rotational speed, storing the required energy. The drive motor is disengaged and the work pieces are forced together by the friction welding force. This causes the faying surfaces to rub together under pressure. The kinetic energy stored in the rotating flywheel is dissipated as heat through friction at the weld interface as the flywheel speed decreases. An increase in friction welding force (forge force) may be applied before rotation stops. The forge force is maintained for a predetermined time after rotation ceases. The relationship between the Inertia Friction Welding parameter characteristics appears in the diagram.

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