More Durable Pin Tools for Friction Stir Welding

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a novel processing method for W-Re alloys that will allow for higher performance pin tools for use in friction stir welding (FSW). A solid state process, FSW is fast becoming the process of choice for the manufacture of lighter weight aerospace structures. As such, it is being considered as an essentially complementary joining capability for on-orbit and space environments. Pin tool technology especially for higher temperature FSW continues to be a major challenge and will limit usage in space if not further advanced. An ideal pin tool should have high toughness, good strength, excellent wear resistance, and be chemically inert at welding temperatures. Tungsten-based tools have good fracture toughness, but are also very expensive and experience severe wear and degradation during high temperature welding. A greatly improved, more cost-effective, and near-net process was developed to process pure W components with refined microstructures. If successfully applied to W-Re alloys to enhance the properties, higher performance pin tools may be possible.

Potential NASA Applications include metal structures and components for space launch vehicles, spacecraft, space habitats, airframes, and gas turbines.

Potential Non-NASA Applications include metal structures and components for military and/or commercial space launch vehicles, spacecraft, airframes, air and land-based gas turbines, land vehicles (cars, trucks, trains), sea vehicles (recreation, passenger, cargo), and consumer products (electronics).

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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