TWI Frequently asked questions
by Stephan Kallee
Friction stir processing (FSP) is used to transform a heterogeneous microstructure to a more homogeneous, refined microstructure. There are several possible methods available which can be applied to a variety of material shapes andsizes.
In many cases, the re-processed areas have superior strength and formability than the parent material, e.g. aluminium castings can be processed to consolidate voids, or extrusions can be improved in highly stressed areas. Incombination with superplastic forming, FSP offers the potential to form complex-shaped parts at higher strain rates and in section thicknesses not possible using conventional superplastic processing.
Further information
Please contact TWI's friction processes department for additional information.
