| Abstract Scope |
Filler material or high energy weld joins metal by melting and solidifying. Result is coarse grain resting on finer grain base material. Heat affected zone, hardness mapping and residual stress are some of the major concerns. Solid state friction, friction stir, additive are alternatives w/ their own limitations.
FuseRing welding is solid state dynamic recrystallization. Technique uses concepts of forging and induction welding but arranged in a different order. Induction coil (s) is placed between work faces in an inert environment, bring to hot working temperature, w/ draw coil, bring work pieces together and rotate / oscillate shear. Resulting weld is fine grained base to base, no heat affected zone, no stress riser, no fusion line. Weld OD, ID in compression, across weld in tension (verified by Seoul National University using Frontics). Resist embrittlement (an assumption).
Technique won The Pace Award for automotive cylinder head 2016. Tubular geometry is proven, commercialized and accepted into ASME IX, code case 2799. Physical welds performed from 1/16” to 1” wall thickness. Largest to date 9” O.D. x 1” wall. Identical crystalline structure – fine grained base to base, no fusion line, smooth profile. Materials joined steel, titanium and zirconium.
Further IP filings extends concept into flat and curved geometry, similar and dissimilar materials. Linear solid state simulation performed by Hexagon for 3 ˝” & 10” squared, low carbon steel result conforms to tubular welding characteristics. Taylor Winfield building equipment to demo.
This technique – induction in inert environment, forge and shear is complete in less than one minute regardless of thickness or geometry. Heat penetration is in millimeters, distortion and material consumed is minimized. Prime areas for utilization would be Rail, dissimilar materials in automotive / nuclear, aviation, shipbuilding and irradiated materials. |