Friction welding machines set for Russia

PTG Heavy Industries (www.ptgheavyindustries.com), part of the UK-based Precision Technologies Group, has secured orders for two Powerstir Friction Stir Welding (FSW) machines from leading organisations in the Russian space industry. Scheduled for delivery in early 2013, and with a combined value in excess of £2 million, the machines will be used for joining various metals, including aluminium, aluminium alloys, steel and titanium.

Sales manager Chris Cheetham says: “To date, PTG Friction Stir Welding technology has been embraced across a wide range of industrial sectors. However, these latest orders — from two separate organisations involved in aviation and the design and construction of space-craft — serve to further endorse the considerable advantages that Powerstir Friction Stir Welding is able to deliver.”

Patented by TWI Ltd (The Welding Institute), Friction Stir Welding combines frictional heat with precisely controlled forging pressure to produce extremely high-strength joints that are virtually defect-free.