Linear friction welding of wood - video

[Philip Davies]

Very cool!

No, hot!
(Sorry, just could not resist)

I am intrigued by this machine. What are its usual applications?

[clavius]

No, hot!
(Sorry, just could not resist)

I am intrigued by this machine. What are its usual applications?

I don't know specifically about that machine, but friction welding is used to join all sort of otherwise difficult to weld materials and to weld very dissimilar metals and high temp refractory metals. I'm very far from an expert, but did some reading about this a while back. I believe one of the benefits is a very small heat affected zone that is closely confined to the area where the weld takes place.


There is actually quite a bit of info out there on the web about this, it is fascinating stuff.

As to why weld wood, who knows. Though the link does make some reference to potential applications in building furniture (no need to wait for glue to dry, etc) and similar applications. Making super strong laminated wood beams, perhaps? I guess it's limited by ones imagination.