Friction welding provides a high-strength, cost-effective solution to join steering shafts and steering rack components together. The result is complete metal fusion without the need for fluxes, fillers, gasses, or an external heat source. The solid-state process requires minimal joint preparation and eliminates the possibility of porosity or slag inclusion. The narrow heat-affected zone of the weld area protects the molecular integrity of both components. This bonding method offers consistent and repetitive results with faster production turn-around.
Cost savings result by reducing the amount of raw material, machining, and tooling required to produce a completed part. Design flexibility provides a portion of drive shaft construction from one metal and the balance by a lower cost stock. The joining of dissimilar metals is possible where tig welding and other conventional methods may not work.
The AFW team will work with you to engineer the correct design solution and ensure good welds with superior strength for all critical part areas.
Click to view other examples of welding dissimilar metal shapes.
