Innovative Tools Advance Revolutionary Weld Technique

About this technology

Overview

Nova-Tech Engineering LLC, of Lynnwood, Washington, received a co-exclusive license for Marshall Space Flight Center technology that significantly improves an advanced welding technique called friction stir welding (FSW). The technique creates a superior weld to traditional fusion methods, but leaves a hole when the welding machine's rotating pin, which creates the weld, exits the weld joint. It also has difficulty welding materials of tapering thicknesses. Marshall invented an auto retractable pin tool that solves these problems. The innovation now allows Nova-Tech's FSW machines to perform effective welds for offshore drilling rig piping, armor plating, and rocket manufacturing.