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Blair Engineering
Ltd have been friction welding, principally aluminium to steel
to produce anode hanger rods for aluminium smelters, with their
experience going back to 1970. The automatic process is carried out in a 140 tonne specialised friction welder driven by a 200 horse power hydraulic power pack. In simple terms the process under strict conditions comprises the two components being rubbed together until they seize when a forging operation then occurs. This produces a high integrity bond between the dissimilar metals and one of the very unique ways of forming such a joint with the further advantage of its economy over alternative methods. The aluminium component can be up to 2.70 metres long and a maximum of 150 x 112.5 mm in cross section. The chuck can accommodate a maximum steel component of 200 mm diameter x 550 mm long. |