Friction welding

Abstract

The present invention consists in the apparatus for use in welding a first component and a second component together by friction welding, comprising drive means operative to generate reciprocatory movement, a component holder operative to hold said first component, linking means operative to transmit reciprocatory movement from the drive means to the component holder so that in operation said first component performs reciprocatory heat-generating movement, pressure means operative to exert pressure on the component holder so that in operation said first component also performs welding movement, the linking means being such as to accommodate that welding movement during friction welding and the pressure means being such as to accommodate that heat-generating movement during friction welding. The pressure means preferably comprises ram means operative to apply force to a non-reciprocating head which is connected to the component holder through flexible connecting means enabling heat-generating movement of the holder to be accommodated. The connecting means may comprise one or more hinged links but preferably comprises one or more flexible elements. These flexible elements may comprise flexible rods or bars but preferably comprise flexible blades so orientated as to prevent movement of the component holder in a direction transverse to its heat-generating movement. Movement of the head in a direction parallel with the reciprocatory heat-generating movement of the component holder is preferably resisted by guide means which nevertheless permits the head with the component holder to perform welding movement. The guide means is preferably constituted by roller means preloaded to prevent backlash or rattling in use.