RFW Contract
Welding Services
RFW Contract Welding for Feasibility Studies and Manufacturing
Rotary friction welding (RFW) is a proven solid-state welding process in which one component rotates at high speed against a stationary part under pressure. Because it joins materials in a plasticized state, rather than a melted state, the process creates a high-strength final weld with dependable performance. With MTI’s RFW Contract Welding services, clients benefit from R&D support from concept to production. We provide rapid prototyping, pilot runs, and scalable contract manufacturing using advanced RFW machines and proven equipment.
In addition, MTI also fulfills specialized RFW subcontract welding requirements for demanding industries.
Rotary Friction Welding Services
As your rotary friction welding provider, we deliver more than equipment for high-spec parts and production programs.
Reach Optimal Project Outcomes with MTI RFW Contract Welding
MTI’s RFW contract welding services are designed for low and high-volume production. We collaborate with clients to deliver advanced RFW systems that handle overflow capacity, reduce downtime, and improve throughput.
In addition, our RFW subcontract welding services fulfill specialized project needs. We offer custom tooling, component repairs, and part enhancements. Our ability to solve complex part challenges enables clients to maximize asset life and performance.
By partnering with MTI, you get stronger quality control, lower operational risk, and cost-effective manufacturing results.
Minimal Joint Preparation for Greater Efficiency
Rotary friction welding does not require extensive joint preparation. Machined, saw-cut, and even sheared surfaces can be successfully joined, reducing setup time and improving workflow efficiency before the welding process begins.
Faster Weld Cycles for Higher Throughput
Rotary friction welding improves manufacturing efficiency by reducing the time required per weld cycle. By having shorter cycle times, RFW increases throughput and helps customers meet demanding production schedules.
Machine-Controlled Welding Process for Consistent Quality
Rotary friction welding is machine-controlled, allowing each weld to be defined by process parameters. In MTI’s RFW systems, tight process control ensures dependable results across production runs.
Green Operations
Rotary friction welding does not require consumables, flux, filler materials, or shielding gases. This technology supports efficient, environmentally conscious manufacturing without compromising weld quality.
Rotary friction welding does not require extensive joint preparation. Machined, saw-cut, and even sheared surfaces can be successfully joined, reducing setup time and improving workflow efficiency before the welding process begins.
Rotary friction welding improves manufacturing efficiency by reducing the time required per weld cycle. By having shorter cycle times, RFW increases throughput and helps customers meet demanding production schedules.
Rotary friction welding is machine-controlled, allowing each weld to be defined by process parameters. In MTI’s RFW systems, tight process control ensures dependable results across production runs.
Rotary friction welding does not require consumables, flux, filler materials, or shielding gases. This technology supports efficient, environmentally conscious manufacturing without compromising weld quality.
Automated RFW Contract Welding Services
MTI provides advanced RFW contract welding services backed by 50 years of friction welding expertise. Our expert team designs, builds, and operates semi-automated and fully automated friction welders tailored for consistent weld quality, efficient throughput, and scalable manufacturing performance.
Contract Welding That Delivers for Aerospace
Time was of the essence, and Element Materials Technology faced challenges in lightweighting goals, material costs, and other difficulties in aerospace component joining.
Discover how MTI’s Manufacturing Services stepped in to help them conceptualize a component for one of its testing frames with their solid-state process.
Bi-Metallic Joining With Rotary Friction Welding
Bi-metallic joining allows manufacturers to combine the best properties of each material into a single finished component. With RFW, clients can weld dissimilar metals that are difficult or impossible to join with conventional welding methods.
Bi-Metallic Joining With Rotary Friction Welding
Bi-metallic joining allows manufacturers to combine the best properties of each material into a single finished component. With RFW, clients can weld dissimilar metals that are difficult or impossible to join with conventional welding methods.
Check Your Material Combination & Geometry
Can Your Application Be Friction Welded?
Compatible Welds
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Not Seeing Your Combination Of Materials?
That doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Many of our material combinations are also proprietary. That’s why several of our customers use MTI’s in-house metallurgy lab, which will test your materials for strength and durability to see if friction welding is the right process for you.
Please note Weld strength is dependent on materials & geometry.
Joint Geometries
Friction Welding can join a wide range of part geometries
Let’s talk about the specifics of your project:
Pre- and Post-Rotary Friction Welding Processes
As your one-stop partner for rotary friction welding services, MTI supports the complete project lifecycle from planning through final delivery.
With our pre- and post-weld processes, we reduce handoffs and shorten timelines. Our integrated approach improves consistency across contract manufacturing projects by being a single source for engineering, manufacturing, and high-performance welding services.
Our Commitment
Accredited Welding Services for Quality You Can Trust
For applicable machine and process requirements, MTI aligns with recognized industry standards. As a leading global rotary friction welding company, we deliver high-quality welds that align with strict industrial standards for safety, precision, and repeatability.
Use MTI's In-House Rotary Friction Welding Machines
MTI’s Contract Manufacturing Services facility houses 19 Rotary Friction Welders world-wide, including both Direct Drive and Inertia Friction Welders. Our machines can accommodate a wide range of part geometries and materials.
As Rotary Friction Welding process and equipment providers, our contract services are uniquely positioned to improve weld repeatability, production efficiency, and overall process confidence.
| Spindle | Fixture | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Max Diameter (IN) | Max Length (IN) | Max Diameter (IN) | Max Length (IN) | |
| US | 40B | 0.25 | 1.5 | 0.86 | 4 |
| 60B | 2.02 |
Ø ≤ 0.875 = 10.25 Ø > 0.875 = 4.5 |
3.375 | 8 | |
| 90B | 2.02 |
Ø ≤ 0.875 = 10.25 Ø > 0.875 = 4.5 |
6.161 | 69 | |
| 15-ton | 3.5 |
Ø ≤ 2.60 = 14.5 Ø > 2.60 = 6.0 |
6.161 | 67 | |
| 180B-1 | 3.5 |
Ø ≤ 1.775 = 14.25 Ø > 1.775 = 6.0 |
6.161 | 43 | |
| 180B-2 | 3.5 |
Ø ≤ 1.775 = 14.25 Ø > 1.775 = 6.0 |
6.161 | 43 | |
| 250B-1 | 8 |
Ø ≤ 3.0 = 18.5 Ø > 3.0 = 6.0 |
12 | 72 | |
| 250B-3 | 8 |
Ø ≤ 3.0 = 18.5 Ø > 3.0 = 6.0 |
12 | 72 | |
| 250B-4 | 8 |
Ø ≤ 3.0 = 18.5 Ø > 3.0 = 6.0 |
12 | 50 | |
| 400BX | 18.5 | 23 | 18.5 | 102 | |
| UK | 90B | 1.575 | 6 | 3.15 | 13.78 |
| 180B | 6 | 7 | 3.543 | 31.496 | |
| 180BX | 6 | 7 | 4.724 | 35.433 | |
| 250B | 6.5 | 7.874 | 6.375 | 39.37 | |
| India | FWT-05 | 0.7 | 14.7 | 1 | 11.8 |
| FWT-12 | 1.2 | 9.8 | 1.9 | 23.6 | |
| FWT-15 | 1.3 | 5.9 | 1.9 | 31.5 | |
| FWT-15 | 1.3 | 7.9 | 1.9 | 31.5 | |
| 300B | 7.9 | 5.9 | 7.9 | 7.9 | |
Production Assurance Program for RFW Contract Welding
MTI’s Production Assurance Program helps clients maintain output when an MTI-built rotary friction welding machine is undergoing maintenance or when part volumes exceed normal capacity.
Our RFW contract welding team can step in with proven equipment, experienced operators, and scalable production support.
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