David Findlay wrote:
How does this work?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friction-stir_welding

Thanks,

David

I found similar descriptions at The Welding Institute where the
technique was invented. However, I don't see any applications other
than for butt joints. I can see this being used for joining aircraft
skins, but I don't see how it can replace rivets for joining the skin to
internal support structures such as ribs and fuselage formers. Anyone
know if this is possible with this technique?


Matt