Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Function-oriented design of a friction stir welding robot

  • Published:
Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The paper starts with the analysis on the need for intelligent manufacturing systems, and proposes our view of the solution to the problem from a mechatronic point of view. It discusses issues related to the flexible modular systems that produce modular flexible products. The paper takes a novel welding technology called friction stir welding as a case study, and investigates issues related to the design of a machine that could automate the process. It presents a function-oriented approach that could provide the guidelines in development of such a system. Along with the various alternatives of the friction stir welding machines concepts, various types of welding configurations are discussed in detail thereby providing necessary details for function-oriented conceptual design of a general-purpose robotic system. The paper, then, presents the system model for an articulated robot manipulator, as suggested by functional design, followed by simulations to investigate its suitability for such an application. The proposed solution not only ensures the achievement of requirements for the intelligent manufacturing systems, but also provides the necessary guidelines in design and development of such systems, as the concluding remarks. The paper is finalized by future developments and suggestions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ataoglu, H. (2002) Investigation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded AI-Alloys, MSc Thesis, Mustafa Kemal University, Mechanical Engineering Department, Turkey.

    Google Scholar 

  • Atlamaz, M. (2002) Investigation into butt and overlap weldability of 6xxx series AI-alloys with friction stir welding, MSc Thesis, Mustafa Kemal University, Mechanical Engineering Department, Turkey.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinckmann, S., Strombeck, A., Schilling, C., Santos, J. F. D., Lohwasser, D. and Kocak, M. (2000) Mechanical and toughness properties of robotic FSW repair welds in 6061-T6 aluminium alloys. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding, 26–28 June, Gothenburg, Sweden.

  • Cam, G. and Kocak, M. (1998) Progress in joining of advanced materials. International Materials Reviews, 43(1), 1–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Counsell, J. M. (1997) Design principles for mechatronic systems. Proceedings of the 1997 Lancaster International Workshop on Engineering Design, Computer Aided Conceptual Design '97-CACD'97, 17–26.

  • Counsel, J., Porter, I., Dawson, D. and Duffy, M. (1999) Schemebuilder: Computer aided knowledge based design of mechatronic systems. Assembly Automation, 19(2), 129–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corke, P. (1986) An automated symbolic and numeric procedure for manipulator rigid body dynamic significance analysis and simplification. Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, pp. 1018–1023.

  • Ding, R. J. (2000) Force characterization on the welding pin of a friction stir welding retractable pin-tool using aluminium-lithium. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding, Gothenburg, Sweden.

  • Dong, P., Lu, E, Hong, J. K. and Cao, Z. (1999) Analysis of weld formation process in friction stir welding. Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding, 14–16 June, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

  • Fukuda, T. (2001) Friction stir welding (FSW) process. Welding Int., 15(8), 611–615.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gindy, N. (1998) Responsive manufacturing. Assembly Automation, 18(1).

  • Hewit, J. (1996) Mechatronics design—the key to the product enhancement, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 19, 135–142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loftus, Z., Venable, R. and Adams. (1999) Development and implementation of a load-controlled friction stir welder. Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding.

  • Miro, J. V. and White, A S. (2002) Modelling an industrial manipulator—a case study. Simulation Practice and Theory, 9, 213–319.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicholas, D. E. and Kallee, S. W. (2000) Friction stir welding—a decade on. IIW Asian Pacific International Congress, Sydney Oct/Nov.

  • Oh, V., Langdon, P. and Sharpe, J. E. E. (1994) Schemebuilder: An integrated environment for a product design. Proceedings of the 1994 Lancaster International Workshop on Engineering Design, Lancaster, UK, pp. 339–362.

  • Smith, C. B. (2000) Robotic friction stir welding using a standard industrial robot. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding.

  • Strombeck, A, Santos, J. F.D., Torster, F. and Koçak, M. (1999) Fracture toughness behavior of FSW joints in aluminium alloys. Proceedings of the I st International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding, 14–16 June, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

  • Strombeck, A., Strombeck, A, Schilling, C. and Santos, J. E D. (2000) Robotic friction stir welding: tool technology and applications. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Friction Stir Welding, 26–28 June, Gothenburg, Sweden.

  • Su, D. and Wakelam, M. (1998) Intelligent hybrid system for integration in design and manufacture. The International Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 76, 23–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, W. M., Dawes, C., Gittos, M. and Andrews, D. (1998) Friction stir—where we are, and where we're going. TWI Bulletin, 39.

  • Thomas, W. M., Nicholas, E. D. and Murch, M. (1991) Friction Stir Butt Welding. International Patent Appl. No. PCT/GB92/0220 and GB Patent Appl. No. 9125978.8, US Patent No. 5,460,317.

  • Ulrich, K.T. and Eppinger. S.D. (2000) Product Design and Development, McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yavuz, H. and Bradshaw, A (1999) Conceptual design and modelling of a mobile robot. Proceedings of the 1999 Lancaster International Workshop on Engineering Design, Computer Aided Conceptual Design'99—CACD'99, Lancaster, UK, pp. 15–35.

  • Yavuz, H. (1999) Conceptual design and development of a mobile robot, Ph.D. thesis, Lancaster University, Lancaster, U.K.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yavuz, H. and Bradshaw, A. (2002) A new conceptual approach to the design of hybrid control architecture for autonomous mobile robots. Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 34, 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Muhendislik Mim. Fakultesi, Mustafa Kemal Universitesi, Makina Muh. Bol., 31034, Antakya-Hatay, Turkey

    Hakan Yavuz

Authors
  1. Hakan Yavuz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yavuz, H. Function-oriented design of a friction stir welding robot. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing 15, 761–775 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JIMS.0000042662.79454.c5

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JIMS.0000042662.79454.c5

Search

Navigation