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FSW Rosio automates 3D friction-stir welding

An ESAB product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 8, 2009

ESAB has showcased its FSW Rosio robotic friction-stir-welding system at Schweissen and Schneiden 2009.

Friction-stir welding has previously been available for straight joints only.

The FSW Rosio five-axis robotic system enables joints to be formed around complex 3D profiles in aluminium alloys.

ESAB said this creates opportunities in the automotive, aerospace, transportation and maritime industries, as well as others where there is a need to improve productivity in the fabrication of complex aluminium parts.

The FSW Rosio features a hybrid force/position control system that compensates for any elastic deflections of the robot arm caused by the high loads exerted on the workpiece.

This control is combined with a standard industrial robot and a welding head consisting of a tool adapter, spindle and motor.

The rated torque of 40Nm and speed of 3000rev/min are sufficient for friction-stir welding AA6000-series aluminium alloys in thicknesses up to 5mm.

The FSW Rosio has been proven in trial applications joining relatively soft aluminium alloys - AA5000 and AA6000 series - in thicknesses of 3mm or less.

Butt and lap welds have been produced in planar and 3D components.

For the 3D trials on concave-convex-concave components, the welding programs were generated automatically from the CAD data.

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