An Efficient Control Algorithm For A Friction Welding Machine

Student: Felipe Pinzon Florez, 2015-2016

Sponsor: Manufacturing Technology, Inc., South Bend, IN

Friction Stir Welding is the process of joining two metals by generating heat from the rotational speed of the spindle. In order to have the best weld possible, it is necessary to get the spindle temperature stable. Recent approaches have been developed that take into account parameters like the power of the spindle or the torque as a reference for the controller to provide the best weld. If the controller of the FSW machine has an inaccurate reference, the system could generate current peaks or delays thus making the system unstable and ultimately compromising the quality of the weld. The thesis project will work on commercialization of MTI's recently discovered technology of controlling the temperature of the FSW tool to have a more stable system and a better weld quality.