MTI’s Rotary Friction Welding machines are designed to weld components of various shapes and sizes. Depending on the specific application, the machine configuration can be customised to provide the most efficient production solution. Each configuration offers unique benefits tailored to your production needs, whether you’re looking for increased speed, the ability to handle multiple welds, or the capacity to manage complex part geometries.
Single-Head Machine:
Most common configuration of Rotary Friction Welding machines.
- A single-head machine features one weld head where one workpiece remains stationary, and the other is rotated to create a weld. This configuration is ideal for single joint applications, providing versatility and reliability in various friction welding tasks.
- Common applications include: Hydraulic Cylinder Rods, Drill Pipe, and Drive Axles.
Twin-Head Machine:
A twin-head machine features two spindles or weld heads, using either shared or independent clamping systems, and can function in two modes: simultaneous welding or sequential welding.
- Simultaneous Welding: In this setup, two components are welded during each cycle. The machine has a shared base, with each weld head producing a welded assembly per cycle. This configuration is ideal for high-volume production, as it allows two welds to be completed at the same time, significantly increasing efficiency.
- Sequential Welding: In this configuration, one weld head firstly welds a component to the clamped part. Once this cycle is complete, the welded assembly is transferred to the adjacent weld head, where the second component is welded. This process is suited for assemblies requiring more than one weld as it produces a double-welded component per cycle, making it ideal for multi-step welding operations.
- Common applications include: Airbag Inflators, Compressor Pistons, and Engine Valves.
Double-Ended Machine:
A double-ended machine is equipped with two weld heads and utilises a shared clamping system.
- A double-ended machine holds a single workpiece in the clamp and welds a component to both ends simultaneously. Each weld cycle produces a double welded assembly. This is highly efficient for long components like rods or tubes that require welding at both ends. By performing two welds in one operation, this configuration maximises productivity and minimises handling time.
- Common applications include: Truck/Banjo Axles and Trailer Axles.
Here's a video that shows each machine type in production: