Tracey A Nelson

US Patent:

6648206, Nov 18, 2003

Filed:

May 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/851596

Inventors:

Tracey W. Nelson - Provo UT 84601
Carl D. Sorensen - Provo UT 84604
Scott Packer - Alpine UT 84004
Paul Allen Felter - Layton UT 84040

International Classification:

B23K 2012

US Classification:

2281121, 228 21, 228 23, 228113, 2281145

Abstract:

A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.