Friction stir welding the main girder of Russia’s first aluminium alloy road bridge at Sespel

Aluminium orthotropic panels are welded on Sespel FSW equipment using a dedicated friction stir welding tool. The process supports single-sided welding up to 42 mm thick, making it particularly valuable for large aluminium structures.

Friction stir welding (FSW) uses a specially shaped rotating tool inserted between the adjoining edges of sheets or plates. The tool moves along the joint, heating the workpieces and stirring the material to produce a strong, high-quality connection.

Friction between the rotating tool and the workpiece locally heats and softens the material. Rotation and forward travel stir and transfer material from the front of the rotation axis to the rear, forming a uniform, strong joint.

FSW avoids weld defects such as porosity, cracks and incomplete fusion. The process is also environmentally safe, producing no harmful gases or waste.

Sespel FSW equipment delivers accurate, consistent and productive welding, making it essential for aluminium structures in energy, the chemical industry and other sectors.