On 8/14/2011 4:28 PM, Jon Elson wrote:
Tom Del Rosso wrote:


Is this an acceptable process?

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/81732304/?lt=ep

I think not, with the way it stopped the lathe. Maybe if the fixed piece
was allowed to spin before stopping the motor there would have been less
of a jolt.


Friction stir welding is a well-accepted process used to make axles and
driveshafts on auto parts. It may be a bit rough on standard lathes, but
the machines built for the purpose take it day in and day out.

Jon

Friction stir welding is a different process. It uses a tool akin to a
router to force a smooth bit along a flat butt joint between two
aluminum sheets effectively stirring the two sheets together. Used in
aerospace and similar work.