TWI and Stirweld Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology showcase

TWI Ltd and Stirweld are pleased to announce a joint event that will showcase TWI's cutting-edge tank welding using Stirweld's innovative retractable pin Friction Stir Welding (FSW) head technology under the UK publically funded Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) MASTER project.

This joint event, which will take place at TWI Ltd, Cambridge, on 11th March 2025, will include live welding demonstrations and speakers from a range of organisations, including GKN Aerospace, which are collaborating to advance the manufacture of aluminium hydrogen storage tanks for the aerospace sector.

Laurent DUBOURG, CEO of Stirweld, states, "We are delighted to be working alongside TWI. Their expertise in R&D, combined with our retractable pin technology, offers unique opportunities for advancing friction stir welding techniques."
Kate FRANKLIN, Section Manager, Friction Welding & Processes (FWP), adds, "The FSW welding head provided by Stirweld has enabled TWI to make advancements in aligning our research activities with commercially available retractable pin FSW equipment. This collaborative initiative is an opportunity for us to pursue ambitious projects, with the aim of offering innovative and effective welding solutions."

Retractable pin FSW is a solid-state welding technique particularly well-suited to applications where joint quality is critical. Through this initiative, TWI has the tools and know-how required to continue developing welding solutions that meet the industrial demands of tomorrow. This ongoing collaboration reflects the shared commitment of TWI and Stirweld to maintaining their leadership in the field of FSW and to exploring new applications for this technology.