Friction welding (also called friction forging) is a type of welding process that uses frictional heat between the moving work piece and stationary object for joining them. You can use friction welding equipment to weld a wide range of similar as well as different metals. Smaller HAZ (heat-affected zone) and minimum welding time are major advantages that friction welding process offers. In addition, friction welding machines provide a better welding efficiency as compared to the traditional welding machines.

Depending on the technique, there are three friction welding processes: linear friction welding, friction surfacing and spin welding (also called inertia welding). The aerospace and automotive industries extensively use friction welding equipment for welding various materials.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying a friction welder are:

1. Type of materials you want to weld using friction welding equipment
2. Capacity of the friction welding machine
3. Power consumption of the friction welding equipment
4. Cost of friction welding machinery against the service fee for contractual friction welding process

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a friction welder from reputable welding equipment manufacturers

Once you identify your welding requirements, check out different friction welding machines available in the market. You can opt for a particular friction welding technique as per your requirement. For example, for simple friction welding requirements use an inertia welding machines.

I recommend: Inertia Friction Welding manufactures friction welding machines with capacity up to 300 ton. Manufacturing Technology is another manufacturer of inertia, direct drive and hybrid friction welders that supplies large friction welders with capacity more that 300 tons. Dukane Ultrasonics provides spin welders and accessories that you can use to join thermoplastics. If you need a friction stir welding machine, check out products offered by Transformation Technologies. Additionally, you can buy a spin welding system at Branson Ultrasonics, a leading manufacturer of ultrasonic metal welding equipment.

Buy friction welders and accessories from distributors or retailers

You can compare different friction welding equipment based on the features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. You can buy used friction welding machines to get a cost effective solution.

I recommend: MachineTools.com, an industrial equipment retailer, supplies new as well as used friction welding machines. Airgas is another supplier of welding supplies and equipment including friction welding equipment. Additionally, you can buy new or used friction welding equipment at Serva-Tech Systems.

Check out friction welding services provided by reputable companies

If your friction welding requirement is not permanent, try using the welding services of friction welding service providers.

I recommend: AJT offers friction stir welding services for various industries such as aerospace, automotive and construction. NCT is another reputable friction welding vendor that provides weld parameter monitoring services. ARD Industries is a manufacturer of friction welded components that also offers friction welding services to various industries such as agriculture, automotive and mining industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Follow the safety measures mentioned by the suppliers of friction welding machines.
• •  Buy proper controls and accessories from reputable suppliers of friction welding machines.
• •  Consult a welding expert when you use specialized friction welding techniques such as friction plug welding or friction stir welding.