Render of a DIG moving gantry FSW system on rails with blue clamping fixtures and roller table
Friction Stir Welding
DIG FSW Friction Stir Welding System
Static gantry or moving gantry layout, with 2-, 3- or 5-axis options
DIG FSW systems join aluminum, copper and brass in the solid state, without melting the material. Static or moving gantry layouts with 2, 3 or 5 axes give low heat input, low distortion and no fumes or spatter.
Manufactured byDIG
2 layoutsStatic gantry or moving gantry
2, 3 or 5Axis options for each layout
5 spindlesSpindle types to choose from
Solid stateJoining without melting the material
Overview
Solid-state joining on a gantry
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process: the material is not melted, so heat input stays low compared with fusion welding. DIG builds its FSW systems for strong welds with little distortion and without pores or cracks.
The system comes as a static gantry or a moving gantry, and each layout is available with 2, 3 or 5 axes. Spindle options are conventional mechanical, electric, AC pendulum, retractable and double-shoulder.
Besides aluminum, copper and brass, the process also covers higher-temperature welding of steels and nickel-based alloys. Operation is fully automated, which reduces the need for skilled welders.
Applications
Where FSW joints are used
DIG names these industries for its static and moving gantry FSW systems.
Operator beside yellow clamping arms holding aluminum extrusion panels on an FSW table
Close view of rows of yellow clamping arms pressing aluminum profiles on an FSW welding table
Friction stir welding head between yellow clamps joining long aluminum extrusion panels
Shipbuilding
Solid-state joining with low heat input and little distortion.
Rail
Joining aluminum components where weld strength and low distortion matter.
EV battery trays
Fume-free, spatter-free joining of battery tray parts.
Aerospace
Solid-state welds without pores or cracks on aluminum and other alloys.
Automotive and electronics
Automated joining of copper, brass and aluminum parts.
Features
System features
- Static gantry or moving gantry layout
- 2-axis, 3-axis or 5-axis configuration for each layout
- Conventional mechanical, electric, AC pendulum, retractable or double-shoulder spindle
- Fully automated operation
- Higher-temperature welding of steels and nickel-based alloys
Benefits
Why friction stir welding
High-strength welds without pores or cracks
Low heat input and little distortion
No fumes, spatter or UV radiation
Less need for skilled welding operators
One process for many materials and thicknesses
Joining aluminum or copper parts?
Tell our Machinery team about your materials, joint lengths and part sizes, and we will help you choose the right DIG FSW layout and spindle.
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