• SERVICES
    • Manufacturing Services
    • Contract Friction Welding
    • Part Development
    • Part Ideas & Examples
    • Bi-Metallic Friction Welding
    • Service & Aftermarket Parts
  • INDUSTRIES
    • Aerospace
    • Astrospace
    • Automotive
    • Construction and Agriculture
    • Consumer Products
    • Defense
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    • Case Studies
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Low Force Friction Welding
    • Rotary Friction Welding
    • Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
    • Linear Friction Welding
    • Automation
    • Resistance Welding
  • RESOURCES
    • Friction Welding University
    • Machine Talk Blog
    • Whiteboard Wednesday Videos
    • Webinars
    • Friction Welding Videos
    • Parts Gallery
    • Case Studies
    • Whitepapers
    • Brochures & Literature
  • LOCATIONS
  • GET IN TOUCH
English
  • SERVICES
    • Manufacturing Services
    • Contract Friction Welding
    • Part Development
    • Part Ideas & Examples
    • Bi-Metallic Friction Welding
    • Service & Aftermarket Parts
  • INDUSTRIES
    • Aerospace
    • Astrospace
    • Automotive
    • Construction & Agriculture
    • Consumer Products
    • Defense
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    • Case Studies
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Low Force Friction Welding
    • Rotary Friction Welding
    • Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
    • Linear Friction Welding
    • Automation
    • Resistance Welding
  • RESOURCES
    • Machine Talk Blog
    • Whiteboard Wednesday Videos
    • Webinars
    • Friction Welding Videos
    • Parts Gallery
    • Case Studies
    • Whitepapers
    • Brochures & Literature
  • LOCATIONS
  • GET IN TOUCH
Custom Engineered Approach

Friction welding solutions for the Automotive industry

From our early days working for Studebaker Automotive to today, our extensive experience in automotive welding solutions is evident in the enormous variety of parts our machines produce. Those applications include stabilizer bars, engine valves, pistons, drive shafts, transmission gears, turbochargers, bumper shocks, suspension components, steering components, water pumps, axles, air bag inflators, camshafts, U-joints, and so many more. Friction welding may be fully integrated into automated production lines to handle this industry’s high volume demands.

Is the Double Ended Axle Machine right for your company?

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER with MTI’s friction welding for axles and housings.

WATCH DEMO

How is MTI solving current problems in the automotive manufacturing industry?

We’re excited to share with you a NEW technical white paper about the advantages of friction welding in the automotive industry. In recent years, the automotive industry has faced an increasing number of challenges. Customers in the automotive industry demanded a machine that could keep product costs low, meet rigorous standards, and keep up with changing trends. Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers were looking for a solution that could stand up to harsh environments but also help them achieve their lean manufacturing goals. Get started today and GO ALL IN!

GET THE FREE WHITE PAPER
Automotive
Sample Parts
Solutions that make it easy to select the right friction welding technology
Figure 2 of 2 - Transition joint for cryogenic application
Application Figure 2 of 2 - Transition joint for cryogenic application
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Driver side airbag inflator - cross-section
Application Driver side airbag inflator - cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Passenger side airbag
Application Passenger side airbag
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Hybrid passenger side airbag inflator
Application Hybrid passenger side airbag inflator
Materials Aluminum
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Driver and passenger side airbag inflators
Application Driver and passenger side airbag inflators
Materials Aluminum
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Side-impact airbag inflators
Application Side-impact airbag inflators
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Figure 1 of 2 Passenger side airbag inflator and cross-section
Application Figure 1 of 2 Passenger side airbag inflator and cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Figure 2 of 2 Passenger side airbag inflator and cross-section
Application Figure 2 of 2 Passenger side airbag inflator and cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Figure 1 of 2 Wheel rim
Application Figure 1 of 2 Wheel rim
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Figure 2 of 2 Wheel rim cross-section
Application Figure 2 of 2 Wheel rim cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Forgings can be welded to barstock, tubes, plates and the like, as shown with these drive shafts
Application Forgings can be welded to barstock, tubes, plates and the like, as shown with these drive shafts
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Experimental aluminum suspension link
Application Experimental aluminum suspension link
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Experimental chassis component
Application Experimental chassis component
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Retainer-differential bearing blank cross-section (left). Bearing housing retainer for transaxle (right).
Application Retainer-differential bearing blank cross-section (left). Bearing housing retainer for transaxle (right).
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Transmission part
Application Transmission part
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Hollow engine valves for lightweight and liquid-cooled applications
Application Hollow engine valves for lightweight and liquid-cooled applications
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Flanged Axle
Application Flanged Axle
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Experimental hollow automotive rear axle. Tubing welded to hub forging and spline blank. Replaces solid forging for weight reduction.
Application Experimental hollow automotive rear axle. Tubing welded to hub forging and spline blank. Replaces solid forging for weight reduction.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Bi-metallic engine exhaust valves showing head and stem components, as-welded valve and welded valve with flash removed by shearing.
Application Bi-metallic engine exhaust valves showing head and stem components, as-welded valve and welded valve with flash removed by shearing.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Automatic transmission output shaft. Stamped steel flange welded to barstock.
Application Automatic transmission output shaft. Stamped steel flange welded to barstock.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
 Fan shaft bracket assembly. Barstock welded to plate replaces machined forging.
Application Fan shaft bracket assembly. Barstock welded to plate replaces machined forging.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Rolled ring gear welded to flywheel stamping produces distortion-free flywheel ring gearauto
Application Rolled ring gear welded to flywheel stamping produces distortion-free flywheel ring gearauto
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Alternator bracket. Barstock welded to plate, replaced forging.
Application Alternator bracket. Barstock welded to plate, replaced forging.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Viscous drive fan shaft couplings replace forgings.
Application Viscous drive fan shaft couplings replace forgings.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Starter pinion assembly. Sintered steel gear welded to sleeve.
Application Starter pinion assembly. Sintered steel gear welded to sleeve.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Automotive hydraulic jack. Fabricated from tubing and plate stock.
Application Automotive hydraulic jack. Fabricated from tubing and plate stock.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Cross-section of hydraulic jack showing two tubularwelds which were made simultaneously to the base plate
Application Cross-section of hydraulic jack showing two tubularwelds which were made simultaneously to the base plate
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Speed selector shaft. Mild steel yoke welded to SAE1045 shaft replaced pinned assembly.
Application Speed selector shaft. Mild steel yoke welded to SAE1045 shaft replaced pinned assembly.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Constant Velocity Joint
Application Constant Velocity Joint
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Countersinks. High-speed steel heads welded to mild-steel shanks.
Application Countersinks. High-speed steel heads welded to mild-steel shanks.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Universal joint assembly with welded extension shaft
Application Universal joint assembly with welded extension shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Steering shaft welded to pre-assembled knuckle
Application Steering shaft welded to pre-assembled knuckle
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Water pump hub and shaft
Application Water pump hub and shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Automotive axle tube
Application Automotive axle tube
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Rear axle housing tube. Forged tube end welded to tube stock.
Application Rear axle housing tube. Forged tube end welded to tube stock.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Automotive transmission component. Machined tubing welded to cold-formed end.
Application Automotive transmission component. Machined tubing welded to cold-formed end.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Electric motor housing and shaft for automotive cooling fan.
Application Electric motor housing and shaft for automotive cooling fan.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Figure 1 of 2 Direct clutch drum and hub assembly used in automatic transmissions. Mild steel tubing welded to cold-formed clutch drum. Cross-section.
Application Figure 1 of 2 Direct clutch drum and hub assembly used in automatic transmissions. Mild steel tubing welded to cold-formed clutch drum. Cross-section.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Figure 2 of 2 Direct clutch drum and hub assembly cross-section.
Application Figure 2 of 2 Direct clutch drum and hub assembly cross-section.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Torque converter cover. Three mounting nuts welded to cover for mounting of flywheel ring gear.
Application Torque converter cover. Three mounting nuts welded to cover for mounting of flywheel ring gear.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Torque converter pump
Application Torque converter pump
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Clevis
Application Clevis
Materials
Technology
Geometry Bar to Bar
Worm gear drive shaft
Application Worm gear drive shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Drive shaft
Application Drive shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Front wheel drive shaft
Application Front wheel drive shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Turbocharger
Application Turbocharger
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Transmission gear. Finished spiral bevel gear welded to tubular shaft.
Application Transmission gear. Finished spiral bevel gear welded to tubular shaft.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Wheel spindle
Application Wheel spindle
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Air conditioner accumulator. Aluminum housing.
Application Air conditioner accumulator. Aluminum housing.
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Transmission input shaft
Application Transmission input shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Brake caliper. Tubing joined to formed caliper.
Application Brake caliper. Tubing joined to formed caliper.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Drive extension (internal spline one end).
Application Drive extension (internal spline one end).
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Front suspension struts
Application Front suspension struts
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Sport utility 4x4 interconnecting shaft
Application Sport utility 4x4 interconnecting shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Figure 1 of 2 Stabilizer bars. Tube welded to solid end.
Application Figure 1 of 2 Stabilizer bars. Tube welded to solid end.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Figure 2 of 2 Welded stabilizer bar cross-section
Application Figure 2 of 2 Welded stabilizer bar cross-section
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Input shaft for automotive transmission. Stamped hub to machined barstock.
Application Input shaft for automotive transmission. Stamped hub to machined barstock.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Shock absorber base cup. Weld between threaded stud and base cup firmly traps washer in place.
Application Shock absorber base cup. Weld between threaded stud and base cup firmly traps washer in place.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Bumper shocks. Tubing welded to stamping for impact absorbing bumper mounts.
Application Bumper shocks. Tubing welded to stamping for impact absorbing bumper mounts.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Air conditioner rotor assembly. Outer rotor pole is welded to inner rotor pole then this assembly is welded to pulley blank.
Application Air conditioner rotor assembly. Outer rotor pole is welded to inner rotor pole then this assembly is welded to pulley blank.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Drive shaft sectioned part front view - tool exit hole shown -lightweighting vehicle while maintaining or increasing durability
Application Drive shaft sectioned part front view - tool exit hole shown -lightweighting vehicle while maintaining or increasing durability
Materials Aluminum
Technology Friction Stir Welding
Geometry Lap
Tailor welded blanks top view -1mm and 2mm thick aluminum sheets jointed prior to stamping. Used for vehicle lightweighting.  Heavier 2mm material is deployed  in crtical form support areas
Application Tailor welded blanks top view -1mm and 2mm thick aluminum sheets jointed prior to stamping. Used for vehicle lightweighting. Heavier 2mm material is deployed in crtical form support areas
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Friction Stir Welding
Geometry Lap
Section view of hybrid vehicle aluminum plate welded to cast aluminum heat exchanger box  for  a water tite seal. FSW weld path on plate is facing up.
Application Section view of hybrid vehicle aluminum plate welded to cast aluminum heat exchanger box for a water tite seal. FSW weld path on plate is facing up.
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Friction Stir Welding
Geometry Lap
Get Inspired: More than 160 parts to explore in our interactive showroom!

VIEW SAMPLE PARTS

Why friction welding is vital for Automotive applications

Demand for automotive airbag inflators has stimulated the increase in the number of friction welders manufactured for the automotive industry since the 1980s. That’s because advantages such as a full-penetration weld, as well as its narrow heat-affected zone have made friction welding a key method for joining fully-loaded airbag inflators. The dramatic increase in the volume of friction welding applications and equipment continues to this day. Successful material combinations include aluminum, low carbon steel, and stainless steel alloys.

Explore Our Process

Are your wheels turning yet?

Let’s talk and bring your idea from concept to completion.

Contact Us
Machine Talk Blog
The welding solution to the challenges you're facing may be one click away
View All
Friction Welding for Tap and Cutting Tools
Friction Welding for Tap and Cutting Tools

Cutting and tap tools are a high-volume, widely used application among various industries. In this blog, we discuss how friction welding and MTI provide a turn-key solution.

Read More >

MTI UK's Subcontract and Machine Build Capabilities
MTI UK's Subcontract and Machine Build Capabilities

MTI's European location in Kingswinford, UK offers Subcontract welding, Machine Build, and world-wide support coverage! Included are value-added pre and post-weld services such as material sourcing, heat treating, metallurgy and more.

Read More >

MTI's 2022 Year in Review
MTI's 2022 Year in Review

MTI looks back at 2022's accomplishments and plans ahead for 2023.

Read More >

With This Ring, I Thee Weld
With This Ring, I Thee Weld

In 2020, an MTI Field Service Engineer and a metallurgist at the plant he was visiting fell in love. Thanks to some ingenuity from a group of engineers at MTI, Reinhardt was able to solidify their marriage with the very thing that brought the two together: friction welding.

Read More >

Company

  • Our Story
  • History & Timeline
  • The MTI Difference
  • Careers: Work for MTI

Resources and Events

  • Resources
  • Machine Talk Blog
  • Material Compatibility Checker

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • Meet the Team
  • After Service & Support

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

+1 574-233-9490

1702 West Washington, South Bend, IN 46628 USA | +1 574-233-9490

Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI) is a privately-held, fourth-generation company headquartered in South Bend, Indiana, specializing in transformational, custom-engineered friction welding and resistance welding solutions for manufacturing processes. Our leading-edge expertise is available worldwide on-site for industry applications such as aerospace, oil and gas, automotive, agriculture, construction, consumer product electronics, and military.

© 2023 Manufacturing Technology, Inc.
Disclaimer/Terms & Conditions | UK Purchasing Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

 

Choose Your Language

PolskiDeutschEnglish