Development of an End-Effector for Friction Stir Spot Welding

The purpose of this study was to design and manufacture an attachment for a MTS friction stir welding (FSW) machine at the Advanced Joining & Processing Laboratory which would allow friction stir spot welds to be made quickly, apply a consistent clamping force, and provide positional feedback of the surface of the workpiece. The scope of this project included component analysis, manufacturing, final product testing, and the formation of a conceptual design capable of producing both poke spots and swept spots. This equipment could be adapted for use on robotic platforms as well.