Friction Stir Welding of copper applications
Copper is used in many industrial sectors (energy, nuclear, naval, ornamental) for its properties: high thermal and electrical conductivity, high corrosion resistance and high ductility.
Why use FSW for copper welding ?
Friction Stir Welding of copper has several advantages over conventional techniques (MIG, TIG, brazing). The first one is a lower cost as there are few consumables, no surface cleaning and no preheating. Its mechanical properties are preserved mainly for Cu-Zn, Cu-P, Cu-Al, and the copper part remains highly conductive both electrically and thermally once welded.
Lower cost
No surface cleaning, no preheating, few consumables, reduction of raw materials.
High electrical conductivity
Metallurgical junction allowed by FSW.
High mechanical resistance
Copper is less affected by the welding temperature.
LOWER COST
No surface cleaning, no preheating, few consumables, reduction of raw materials.
HUGH ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
Metallurgical junction allowed by FSW.
HIGH MECHANICAL RESISTANCE
Copper is less affected by the welding temperature.
What type of copper applications can be welded by Friction Stir Welding?
WELDING OF COPPER COMPONENTS
For copper components, the FSW technology is a lower cost technology than conventional techniques such as arc welding or brazing. Indeed, there is no surface preparation and few consumables: only the FSW tool.
Friction Stir Welding keeps high thermal conductivity (metallurgical junction) and high mechanical strength to be maintained.
Example of sector applications: nuclear.
FSW USED FOR WELDING OF BUSBAR
FSW replaces arc welding or brazing by improving the junction quality, by reducing the manufacturing cost (no electrode wear) and by increasing the mechanical resistance.
There are two types of busbars Cu/Cu and Al/Al. Both can be welded by Friction Stir Welding.
Example of sector applications: energy.
WELDING OF BRASS COMPONENTS
Friction Stir Welding reduces the machining volume of brass components in order to reduce their production cost. Moreover, FSW can replace brazing which improves the junction quality and increases the mechanical resistance.
Example of sector applications: ornamental or nautical industry.
FSW FOR WELDING OF LIQUID COLD PLATES
FSW reduces the production cost as there is few consumables and no surface preparation. Friction Stir Welding also allows the mechanical properties of the base material to be retained: high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Example of sector applications: thermal management.
To know more about FSWed liquid cold plates, click here.
REPLACEMENT OF COPPER BY ALUMINIUM
Thanks to the Friction Stir Welding technology, copper can be welded with aluminium. This has several benefits:
- Lower cost: replacement of screwing
- Cost & mass savings: replacement of Copper by Aluminium
- Excellent electrical conductivity: metallurgical junction.
Moreover, FSW allows a metallurgical junction between copper and aluminium limiting electrical resistivity.
Example of sector applications: energy.
Copper applications: comparison between TIG/MIG & Friction Stir Welding
Interested in learning more about FSW of copper?
Contact us for a presentation of the Stirweld solutions!
