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Robotic Friction Stir Welding for Flexible Production
University West, Department of Engineering Science, Division of Electrical and Automation Engineering. (PTW)ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9553-7131
2012 (English)Licentiate thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a modern welding process that joins materials by frictional heat, generated by a rotating tool. Unlike other welding processes, the material never melts, which is beneficial for the weld properties. FSW is already widely adopted in several industries but the applications are limited to simple geometries like straight lines or circular welds, mostly in aluminium. The welding operation is performed by rigid FSW machines, which deliver excellent welds but puts limitations on the system in terms of flexibility and joint geometries. Therefore, several research groups are working on the implementation of the FSW process on industrial robots. A robot allows welding of three-dimensional geometries and increases the flexibility of the whole system. The high process forces required for FSW, in combination with the limited stiffness of the robot brings some extra complexity to the system.  The limitations of the robot system are addressed in this licentiate thesis.

One part of the thesis studies the effect of robot deflections on the weld quality. A sensor-based solution is presented that measures the path deviation and compensates this deviation by modifying the robot trajectory. The tool deviation is reduced to an acceptable tolerance and root defects in the weld are hereby eliminated. The sensor-based method provided better process understanding, leading to a new strategy that uses existing force-feedback for path compensations of the tool. This method avoids extra sensors and makes the system less complex. Another part of this work focuses on the extra complexity to maintain a stable welding process on more advanced geometries. A model is presented that allows control of the heat input in the process by control of the downforce. Finally, the robot’s limitations in terms of maximal hardness of the materials to be welded are investigated. Parameter tuning and implementation of preheating are proposed to allow robotic FSW of superalloys.

Abstract [sv]

Friction Stir Welding eller ”friktionsomrörningssvetsning” är en svetsprocess som kräver ett roterande verktyg som genom friktionsvärme får materialet att mjukna. Verktyget blandar runt det plastiska materialet mekaniskt och skapar en fog av hög kvalité. Processen fungerar utan gas, utan rök, utan tillsatsmaterial och utan att smälta materialet. Alla dessa fördelar skapar stort industriellt intresse inom flera branscher. Idag används tekniken nästan uteslutande i styva maskiner som svetsar raka eller cirkulära fogar och framförallt för aluminium. Eftersom processen kräver stora krafter mellan material och verktyg är det svårt att implementera processen på en robot. En robot möjliggör svetsning av tredimensionella geometrier och ökar dessutom flexibiliteten.  Flera forskargrupper runt i världen har tagit fram en fungerande FSW robot som kan svetsa tunn lättviksmaterial som aluminium med hög kvalitet. Användningen i industrin av FSW robotar är däremot obefintlig och det finns ett antal anledningar till det. Först är roboten vek vilket gör att verktyget kan missa svetsfogen i hårda material och svetsdefekter kan uppstå. En annan anledning är at det inte finns en användbar automatiserad processtyrning tillgänglig, mest för att FSW är en robust process och inte kräver en avancerad styrning vid svetsning av raka fogar.

De praktiska arbeten som redovisas i denna licentiatuppsats är huvudsakligen utförda i en robotiserad FSW-demonstrator på Högskolan Väst. FSW-roboten är en modifierad industrirobot som är försetts med spindel och kraftåterkoppling för att styra kraften som roboten applicerar på arbetsstycket.

Detta arbete har identifierat ett antal problem som behöver lösas för att få en robust robotiserad FSW process i en flexibel produktionsmiljö. I denna licentiatrapport beskrivs en lösning hur en typ av svetsdefekter kan förhindras genom en sensorbaserad bankompensering. Både en kamera- och lasersensor-baserad mätmetod presenteras. En annan bankompenseringsstrategi är beskriven, som använder kraftsensorn från befintlig kraftåterkoppling istället för att lägga till extra sensor. Denna strategi kan utvecklas till en komplett utböjningsmodell på roboten i hela arbetsområdet. Robotens begränsningar gällande svetsbarhet av hårda material har undersökts och med hjälp av parameteroptimering och förvärmning kan även hårda nickelbaserade legeringar svetsas med roboten.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Lund: Lund University , 2012. , p. 141
Keywords [en]
Friction Stir Welding, Automation, Robotics, Aluminium, Lightweight design
National Category
Robotics Control Engineering Manufacturing, Surface and Joining Technology
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Industrial engineering; ENGINEERING, Mechatronics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-4429ISBN: 978-91-7473-342-6 (print)OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hv-4429DiVA, id: diva2:534849
Presentation
2012-06-15, C118, Högskolan Väst, Trollhättan, 17:10 (English)
Opponent
Supervisors
Projects
StiRoLightAvailable from: 2012-06-27 Created: 2012-06-18 Last updated: 2019-11-27Bibliographically approved
List of papers
1. Surface Quality and Strength in Robotic Friction Stir Welding of Thin Automotive Aluminium Alloys
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Surface Quality and Strength in Robotic Friction Stir Welding of Thin Automotive Aluminium Alloys
2011 (English)In: The 4th International Swedish Production Symposium / [ed] Jan-Eric Ståhl, The Swedish Production Academy , 2011, p. 554-562Conference paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a novel method for joining materials without using consumablesand without melting the materials. It uses a rotating tool that creates frictionalheat and mixes the materials mechanically together. Robotic application of FSW allowsthree-dimensional welding of light-weight metals in e.g. the automotive industry. TheStiRoLight project is driven by Saab Automobile AB and performed at University Westfor investigation of robotic FSW of three-dimensional welding seams. It aims to introduceFSW in the automotive production line. This paper describes the effect of penetrationdepth of the FSW tool during force controlled robotic welding of thin (< 2 mm) aluminium inoverlap configuration. The influence of pin length on strength of welded aluminium sheetsis investigated using tensile and peel tests. The main limiting factor for penetration depthis the surface quality on the backside of the weld, which often is important in automotiveapplications. Further, the roughness of the plates on the backside is measured and relatedto pin length and backing bar properties. This paper shows a relation between penetrationdepth and tensile strength, and suggests an optimal pin length to guarantee a good weldquality while maintaining an acceptable surface quality. The influence of sheet thicknesstolerance is also discussed. Knowledge is fed back to designers and manufacturingengineers to facilitate for use in production with guaranteed product quality.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
The Swedish Production Academy, 2011
Keywords
Robot, Friction Stir Welding, Surface Quality, Automotive, Aluminium
National Category
Manufacturing, Surface and Joining Technology Robotics
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Manufacturing and materials engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-3711 (URN)
Conference
Swedish Production Symposium. Lund, Sweden, 3rd to 5th of May 2011
Projects
StiRoLight (Vinnova-FFI)
Available from: 2011-09-27 Created: 2011-09-27 Last updated: 2016-02-08Bibliographically approved
2. Investigation of path compensation methods for robotic friction stir welding
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Investigation of path compensation methods for robotic friction stir welding
2012 (English)In: Industrial robot, ISSN 0143-991X, E-ISSN 1758-5791, Vol. 39, no 6, p. 601-608Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose – Friction stir welding (FSW) is a novel method for joining materials without using consumables and without melting the materials. The purpose of this paper is to present the state of the art in robotic FSW and outline important steps for its implementation in industry and specifically the automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach – This study focuses on the robot deflections during FSW, by relating process forces to the deviations from the programmed robot path and to the strength of the obtained joint. A robot adapted for the FSW process has been used in the experimental study. Two sensor-based methods are implemented to determine path deviations during test runs and the resulting welds were examined with respect to tensile strength and path deviation.

Findings – It can be concluded that deflections must be compensated for in high strengths alloys. Several strategies can be applied including online sensing or compensation of the deflection in the robot program. The welding process was proven to be insensitive for small deviations and the presented path compensation methods are sufficient to obtain a strong and defect-free welding joint.

Originality/value – This paper demonstrates the effect of FSW process forces on the robot, which is not found in literature. This is expected to contribute to the use of robots for FSW. The experiments were performed in a demonstrator facility which clearly showed the possibility of applying robotic FSW as a flexible industrial manufacturing process.

Keywords
Industrial robots, friction stir welding, path compensation, seam tracking, force
National Category
Robotics
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Manufacturing and materials engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-4466 (URN)10.1108/01439911211268813 (DOI)000312473800007 ()
Available from: 2012-06-27 Created: 2012-06-27 Last updated: 2020-01-17Bibliographically approved
3. Three-dimensional friction stir welding of Iconel 718 using the ESAB Rosio FSW-robot
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Three-dimensional friction stir welding of Iconel 718 using the ESAB Rosio FSW-robot
2013 (English)In: Trends in Welding Research: Proceedings of the International Conference on Trends in Welding Research, June 4-8, 2012, Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes ResortChicago, Illinois, USA / [ed] Tarasankar DebRoy, Stan A. David, John N. DuPont, Toshihiko Koseki, Harry K. Bhadeshia, Ohio: ASM International, 2013, p. 829-833Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Robotic Friction Stir Welding (FSW) facilitates for increased welding flexibility, and allows for studies of forces in three dimensions without having the high cost of a stiff 5-axes FSW machine. Recent developments in tool materials and welding equipment motivate this study on FSW of high-strength alloys by a robot in a three dimensional workspace. New concepts of aircraft engines suggest higher temperatures to increase engine efficiency, requiring more durable materials such as the nickel-based alloy 718. The ESAB Rosio (TM) FSW robot, used in this study, can deliver up to 15kN downforce and 90Nm torque. This is sufficient for welding high-strength alloys of limited thickness. This study focuses on the process forces during friction stir welding of Inconel 718 with thickness up to 3mm in butt-joint configuration. A newly developed threaded Poly-Crystalline Boron Nitride (PCBN) tool with convex shoulder is used in a local argon-shielded atmosphere. Initial tests are performed in a stiff FSW machine in position controlled mode. The measured process forces in position control are later on used as parameters on the force-controlled robot. Different backing bar materials are investigated with the aim to decrease the risk of root defects. Tool steel and regular inconel backing bars are proven to be too soft for this purpose and alternatives are suggested. The optimal welding parameters are tuned to combine a good weld quality with the process forces that can be obtained by the robot. Preheating is used to further decrease the need of high process forces.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Ohio: ASM International, 2013
Keywords
Friction stir welding, robot, nickel alloy, Inconel 718, force control, pre-heating, backing bar
National Category
Robotics
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Manufacturing and materials engineering; Production Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-4468 (URN)000325662400115 ()2-s2.0-84880692600 (Scopus ID)9781627089982 (ISBN)
Conference
Trends in Welding Research Conference. Chicago, IL, USA, 4th to 6th of June 2012
Available from: 2012-06-27 Created: 2012-06-27 Last updated: 2020-02-25Bibliographically approved
4. Influence of side-tilt angle on process forces and lap joint strength in robotic friction stir welding
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Influence of side-tilt angle on process forces and lap joint strength in robotic friction stir welding
2012 (English)In: Proceedings 9th International friction stir welding symposium, Huntsville, AL, USA, 15th to 17th of May 2012, 2012, p. CD-Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Keywords
Stir welding, force
National Category
Robotics
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Manufacturing and materials engineering; Production Technology
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-4467 (URN)
Conference
9th International friction stir welding symposium, Huntsville, AL, USA, 15th to 17th of May 2012
Note

Publicerad på CD

Available from: 2012-06-27 Created: 2012-06-27 Last updated: 2018-08-09Bibliographically approved
5. Friction stir welding with robot for light vehicle design
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Friction stir welding with robot for light vehicle design
2010 (English)In: Proceedings from the 8th International Friction Stir Welding Symposium: Timmendorfer Strand, Germany 18-20 May 2010, The Welding Institute , 2010Conference paper, Published paper (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Reducing weight is one of the enablers to design more environmentally friendly vehicles. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) supports low weight design through its capability to join different combinations of light weight materials, e.g. different aluminium alloys, but also through its possibilities in producing continuous joints. StiRoLight is a recently started project for robotised FSW for joining of light weight materials emphasising on the vehicle industry, an industry with a long-time experience of robotic welding. The first task involves investigation of force feedback for maintaining the desired contact force. Another important aspect in robotised FSW is the compliance of the robot, which may result in deviations from the pre-programmed path as a result of the high process forces experienced during the welding operation. The further exploration of three-dimensional FSW seams and definition of the process windows will be part of further research within this project.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
The Welding Institute, 2010
National Category
Manufacturing, Surface and Joining Technology Mechanical Engineering Vehicle Engineering
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Manufacturing and materials engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-3081 (URN)1903761085 (ISBN)9781903761083 (ISBN)
Conference
8th International Friction Stir Welding Symposium, Timmendorfer Strand, Germany 18-20 May 2010
Projects
StiRoLight
Note

CD-ROM

Available from: 2011-01-26 Created: 2011-01-26 Last updated: 2016-02-08Bibliographically approved
6. A local model for online path corrections in friction stir welding
Open this publication in new window or tab >>A local model for online path corrections in friction stir welding
2010 (English)In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ADVANCES ON FRICTION STIR WELDING AND PROCESSING. Program.http://www.polytech-lille.fr/IMG/pdf/program.pdf, 2010Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Friction stir welding (FSW) has always been associated with high forces and rigid machines Today’s trends towards joining of more complex structures in e.g. the automotive and aerospace industry, the applications require machinery with increased dexterity and flexibility, which cannot be achieved with the traditional FSW systems. But the introduction of more flexible machines, with more complex workspace capacity, will lead to undesired tool path deviations and in worst case a weld seam with inferior quality. In this study an industrial robot system is used to emphasise the need to compensate for the deviations caused by the high lateral forces resulting from the FSW process. A local model to compensate for such deviations is implemented, evaluated and compared to uncompensate welds in terms of quality and reliability.

Keywords
Friction stir welding
National Category
Robotics
Research subject
ENGINEERING, Manufacturing and materials engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-4465 (URN)
Conference
Friction stir welding and processing conference, Lille, France, 28th to 29th of January, 2010
Available from: 2012-06-27 Created: 2012-06-27 Last updated: 2016-02-08Bibliographically approved

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De Backer, Jeroen

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