Siemens Machining Center

The processing centre has been expanded to include the use of the friction stir welding technology. The system is currently used primarily for friction stir welding, friction stir spot welding and micro friction stir welding.

The machining center is equipped with a friction stir welding spindle capable of speeds up to 6,000 rpm and contact forces of up to 17.5 kN. With a table size of up to 630 × 630 mm², it can process samples and components of various sizes. Control is handled by a Siemens Sinumerik 840D. In addition to conventional position control, this system also enables in-house-developed force and temperature control, allowing the welding process to be precisely monitored and regulated. The system includes several subsystems for process monitoring and data acquisition. These include the SPIKE mobile (pro-micron) sensor-equipped tool holder, an in-house developed dynamometer for force measurement, an internal temperature sensor, the RobiScan (Automation W+R GmbH) surface laser scanning system, and an optical imaging system for visual analysis.

The intended impact of the equipment lies in the experimental investigation and optimization of friction stir welding and micro friction stir welding processes for industrial applications. Examples include the robust manufacturing of battery contacts and the analysis of process forces and data for the detection of malfunctions.