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  • OUR SOLUTIONS
    • Manufacturing Services
    • Contract Friction Welding
    • Part Development
    • Custom Joining Solutions
    • Bi-Metallic & Dissimilar Metals Joining
    • Service & Aftermarket Parts
    • Case Studies
  • INDUSTRIES
    • Why We’re Different
    • Aerospace
    • Astrospace
    • Automotive
    • Oil and Gas
    • Military
    • Consumer Products
    • Construction & Agriculture
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Low-Force Friction Welding
    • Rotary Friction Welding
    • Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
    • Linear Friction Welding
  • LEARN
    • Whiteboard Wednesday Videos
    • Friction Welding Videos
    • Machine Talk Blog
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  • CAN IT BE FORGED?
    • Check Material Compatibility
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  • Contact Us
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.

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

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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!

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Automotive
Sample Parts
Solutions that make it easy to select the right friction welding technology
Application Figure 2 of 2 - Transition joint for cryogenic application
Materials Aluminum Alloys, Stainless Steel - Austenitic
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Driver side airbag inflator - cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Passenger side airbag
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Hybrid passenger side airbag inflator
Materials Aluminum
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Driver and passenger side airbag inflators
Materials Aluminum
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Side-impact airbag inflators
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Figure 1 of 2 Passenger side airbag inflator and cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Figure 2 of 2 Passenger side airbag inflator and cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Figure 1 of 2 Wheel rim
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Figure 2 of 2 Wheel rim cross-section
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Forgings can be welded to barstock, tubes, plates and the like, as shown with these drive shafts
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Experimental aluminum suspension link
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Experimental chassis component
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Retainer-differential bearing blank cross-section (left). Bearing housing retainer for transaxle (right).
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Transmission part
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Hollow engine valves for lightweight and liquid-cooled applications
Materials Nickel-Based Heat Resistant, Steel - Medium Carbon Alloy
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Application Flanged Axle
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Experimental hollow automotive rear axle. Tubing welded to hub forging and spline blank. Replaces solid forging for weight reduction.
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Bi-metallic engine exhaust valves showing head and stem components, as-welded valve and welded valve with flash removed by shearing.
Materials Nickel-Based Heat Resistant, Steel - Medium Carbon Alloy
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Automatic transmission output shaft. Stamped steel flange welded to barstock.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Fan shaft bracket assembly. Barstock welded to plate replaces machined forging.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Rolled ring gear welded to flywheel stamping produces distortion-free flywheel ring gearauto
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Alternator bracket. Barstock welded to plate, replaced forging.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Viscous drive fan shaft couplings replace forgings.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Starter pinion assembly. Sintered steel gear welded to sleeve.
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Automotive hydraulic jack. Fabricated from tubing and plate stock.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Cross-section of hydraulic jack showing two tubularwelds which were made simultaneously to the base plate
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Speed selector shaft. Mild steel yoke welded to SAE1045 shaft replaced pinned assembly.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Constant Velocity Joint
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon Alloy
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon Alloy
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon Alloy
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Countersinks. High-speed steel heads welded to mild-steel shanks.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Universal joint assembly with welded extension shaft
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Application Steering shaft welded to pre-assembled knuckle
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon, Steel - Pre-Chromed
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Water pump hub and shaft
Materials
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Automotive axle tube
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Application Rear axle housing tube. Forged tube end welded to tube stock.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Automotive transmission component. Machined tubing welded to cold-formed end.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Electric motor housing and shaft for automotive cooling fan.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
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 Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Application Figure 2 of 2 Direct clutch drum and hub assembly cross-section.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Torque converter cover. Three mounting nuts welded to cover for mounting of flywheel ring gear.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Torque converter pump
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Clevis
Materials
Technology
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Worm gear drive shaft
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Drive shaft
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Front wheel drive shaft
Materials Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Bar
Application Turbocharger
Materials Nickel-Based Heat Resistant, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Application Transmission gear. Finished spiral bevel gear welded to tubular shaft.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon Alloy (Gear Steel), Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Wheel spindle
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Air conditioner accumulator. Aluminum housing.
Materials Aluminum Alloys
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Transmission input shaft
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Low Carbon Alloy (Gear Steel)
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Brake caliper. Tubing joined to formed caliper.
Materials N/A
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
Application Drive extension (internal spline one end).
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Low Carbon Alloy (Gear Steel)
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Front suspension struts
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Sport utility 4x4 interconnecting shaft
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Tube
Application Figure 1 of 2 Stabilizer bars. Tube welded to solid end.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Application Figure 2 of 2 Welded stabilizer bar cross-section
Materials Steel - Low Carbon, Steel - Medium Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Bar
Application Input shaft for automotive transmission. Stamped hub to machined barstock.
Materials N/A
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Shock absorber base cup. Weld between threaded stud and base cup firmly traps washer in place.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Bar to Plate
Application Bumper shocks. Tubing welded to stamping for impact absorbing bumper mounts.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Plate
Application Air conditioner rotor assembly. Outer rotor pole is welded to inner rotor pole then this assembly is welded to pulley blank.
Materials Steel - Low Carbon
Technology Rotary Friction Welding
Geometry Tube to Disk
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
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
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!

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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.

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Machine Talk Blog
The welding solution to the challenges you're facing may be one click away
View All
Friction Welding for Electric Vehicles
Friction Welding for Electric Vehicles

Friction Welding has the potential of helping revolutionize the electric vehicle market by offering a process that promotes lighter parts, watertight seals and increased efficiency.

Read More >

The Friction Welding Dictionary
The Friction Welding Dictionary

Want to be a friction welding expert? Check out some of the most popular terms in the world of solid-state joining and start welding them into your vocabulary!

Read More >

Friction Welding Integration in Automated Manufacturing Process
Friction Welding Integration in Automated Manufacturing Process

Why should you consider incorporating friction welding into your automated manufacturing processes? It saves time and money. Read more in this MTI blog post.

Read More >

5 Ways Friction Welding Helps the Automotive Industry
5 Ways Friction Welding Helps the Automotive Industry

MTI’s extensive experience in automotive welding solutions is evident in the variety of parts our machines produce. Here are five ways friction welding can help.

Read More >

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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.

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