Gantry Low-Angle (GL) Machines

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The GL Series

Bond has developed the GL family of FSW systems to fill the need for a high-performance welding system that is capable of two-dimensional paths with continuous welding tool tilt.

The gantry-style frame gives high structural stiffness, a critical characteristic for trouble-free friction stir welding, far surpassing the forge force and stiffness capabilities of robotic welding systems.

Bond delivered a GL7 FSW system to Solvus Global, Inc. as part of a government-funded project. This system is the first of its kind, offering entirely new capabilities for industrial and research applications.

Basic Configuration
Specs
Torque vs Speed
Videos

X-Axis

Work table travel under the gantry

Y-Axis

Weld head travel across the gantry

Z-Axis

Spindle vertical motion, tilted

Coaxial Linear Axis

Linear motion axis through the spindle

A-Axis

Welding head tilt in Y/Z plane

B-Axis

Gantry tilt in the Z/X plane

GL7

Max Weld Penetration, Inches, Aluminum (approx)

33 mm (1.3 in)

X-Axis

Stroke

1,500 mm (59 in)

Force

22 kN (5,000 lbs), max

Velocity Under Load

3,000 mm/min (118 in/min), max

Y-Axis

Stroke

1,000 mm (39 in)

Force

22 kN (5,000 lbs), max

Velocity Under Load

3,000 mm/min (118 in/min), max

Z-Axis

Stroke

700 mm (27.5 in)

Forging Force

67 kN (15,000 lb), max

Velocity Under Load

1,000 mm/min (39 in/min), max

A- and B-Axis Tilt

Stroke

+/- 5°

Coaxial Linear Axis (optional)

Stroke

300 mm (11.8 in)

Forging Force

40 kN (10,000 lbs)

Velocity Under Load

1,000 mm/min (39 in/min), max

Spindle Axis 2-Speed Gearbox (other speed and torque configurations are available upon request)

Power

19 kW Standard

High Gear, Speed

Low Gear, Speed

3,750 rpm/min, max.

980 rpm/min, max

High Gear, Torque

Low Gear, Torque

403 Nm [297 ft-lb] up to 450 rpm, constant power up to 3,750

1543 Nm [1138 ft-lb] up to 118 rpm, constant power to 980 rpm

Tool Interface

50 Taper

Service Requirements

3 phase, 50/60 Hz, options available

Controls

Bond FSW CNC, force and position control, high speed data collection

*Actual values may vary

Two-Speed Spindle Gearbox Maximizes Capability For FSW

The GL family features a two-speed gearbox spindle drive which optimizes the spindle speed-torque characteristics for FSW. FSW data collected from published literature shows that there is a bi-linear relationship between spindle torque and spindle speed for aluminum alloys. The two-speed gearbox more closely matches the needs of FSW, compared to conventional offset-drive FSW spindles. The GL family is specifically designed to weld a maximum range of workpiece thicknesses with a single machine.

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Revolutionizing Manufacturing | Bond Technologies

GL7 Friction Stir Welding Machine | Bond Technologies

The GL Series offers Precision 5-Axis FSW

The GL machine is sized for welding workpieces within a 1.5-meter by 1-meter footprint and thicknesses up to 33 mm in aluminum alloys. Two low-angle rotation axes are included, permitting full 5-axis orientation of the welding tool, such as for automotive battery trays, tailored blanks, or heat exchangers.

The GL family of welding machines can be supplied with a wide range of options, including a 0.3-meter-long coaxial linear axis, permitting forcible linear motion through the hollow spindle shaft. Other options include the BondStir T128 temperature transmitting collar, the BondStir closed-loop temperature control software, and standard or custom welding fixtures for any application.

Key Advantages of the Gantry Low-Angle Machines

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High-Performance Welding with Continuous Tool Tilt

The Gantry Low-Angle Machines are engineered for precise two-dimensional welding paths, featuring continuous tool tilt capabilities. Their advanced design ensures optimal performance for applications such as automotive battery trays, tailored blanks, and heat exchangers.

Superior Stiffness and Forge Force

Built with a gantry-style frame, these machines offer exceptional structural stiffness, providing reliable Friction Stir Welding far beyond the capabilities of robotic systems. This ensures trouble-free operation when welding thick aluminum alloys up to 33 mm.

Optimized Spindle Speed and Torque

Featuring a two-speed gearbox spindle drive, the Gantry Low-Angle Machines maximize spindle speed-torque characteristics for FSW, enabling seamless adaptation to different material thicknesses. Additional options, such as temperature control and custom welding fixtures, further enhance their versatility.

Industries That Benefit the Most from the GL Series

The GL Series by Bond Technologies is designed to meet the specific demands of precision Friction Stir Welding in challenging applications. Its advanced capabilities make it the ideal choice for industries that require high-performance welding and customization.

Railroad ⟶

Research & Development ⟶

Why Choose Bond Technologies for FSW Manufacturing?

Innovative Manufacturing Solutions

Our friction welding technologies are at the cutting edge of automotive manufacturing, offering unparalleled quality and efficiency.

Customization and Flexibility

We understand the unique challenges of the automotive industry and provide tailored solutions for your specific manufacturing needs.

Expertise and Support

Our team offers comprehensive support, from initial consultation and engineering services to training, implementation, and beyond.

Advanced Technology for Sustainable Production

Bond Technologies integrates the latest innovations in Friction Stir Welding to deliver efficient, eco-friendly solutions, reducing material waste and energy consumption for sustainable manufacturing.

Download Bond’s GL Series Machine brochure

Let Bond Technologies help you find the best Friction Stir Welding solution for you.

Bond Technologies offers a full line of friction stir welding (FSW) machines, custom engineering solutions, and a host of other services to help you integrate FSW technology into production.