Additive Friction Stir Deposition

Complementary solid-state process. A solid metal rod (feedstock) is plasticised (not melted) by frictional heat and pressure and deposited layer by layer.

Operating Principle & Process Flow

Operating Principle: A rotating shaft presses a metal feedstock rod onto a substrate. The resulting frictional heat plasticises the material, which is deposited layer by layer.

Process Flow: Rotation + pressure -> Plasticisation -> Path traversal -> Layer build-up.

Technical Specifications

  • Energy Source: Mechanical friction.
  • Feedstock / Material Feed: Solid metal rod or powder through a hollow tool.
  • Typical Part Size: Large to massive.
  • Build Rate: Extremely high.
  • Accuracy: Low.
  • Surface Quality: Very rough, requires subtractive machining.

Applications & Materials

Typical Materials: Aluminium alloys (including non-weldable alloys like 7000 series), magnesium, copper.

Typical Applications: Massive aluminium structural parts for aerospace and armoured vehicles.

Industries: Aerospace, defence.

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