COME TALK WITH THE WORLD EXPERTS IN SOLID STATE PROCESSING

Bond at FABTECH Chicago | Sept. 8–11 | Booth #B17039 with KUKA | RFSSW on a KUKA Robot!

Bond at FABTECH Chicago

Sept. 8–11 | Booth #B17039 with

KUKA RFSSW on a KUKA Robot!

Meet us at

Detroit, MI | October 6-9 | BOOTH 3651

Proud Sponsor of IFWC 2026  May 19–21 | Cambridge, England

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) Applications

A Better Way to Spot Weld

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) represents a significant advancement in solid-state joining technology, stemming from the extensive research and development in Friction Stir Welding (FSW). RFSSW offers a range of advantages that make it a preferred choice for various applications across industries.

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding RFSSW by Bond Technologies.
Bond Technologies advancing Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) technology for joining aluminum sheets with high joint strength, reduced heat input, and no rivets, transforming aerospace and automotive manufacturing.

State of the Art

While RFSSW shows tremendous potential, further development is needed in tool design and welding procedures. Improvements in tool life and cleaning requirements are essential to drive down the cost-per-spot and enable high-rate production.

Bond Technologies stands at the forefront of RFSSW technology, offering the most robust, production-ready RFSSW system globally. With innovative tooling materials and designs, Bond is bringing RFSSW to high-rate production environments.

Automotive Applications

Spot Weld Replacement

RFSSW provides an excellent alternative to resistance spot welding for joining aluminum sheets, offering a high-quality finish and comparable cycle times.

Fastener Replacement

RFSSW eliminates the need for fasteners like self-piercing rivets in aluminum body structures, offering a simpler and more efficient assembly process.

Bond Technologies, Global Friction Stir Welcing. Friction Extrusion, Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding, and Pin Tool Experts showcase their award-winning custom machines.

Research and Development Applications

RFSSW is an emerging technology with a wide range of potential in manufacturing processes, including high-volume automated production.

RFSSW’s relatively low cost makes it an attractive option for research institutions looking to advance joining technology and explore high-rate automated production processes.

Aerospace Applications

In the Aerospace industry, RFSSW is revolutionizing airframe construction by eliminating stress concentrations typically caused by rivets and mechanical fasteners. RFSSW reduces part count and offers automation potential, contributing to more efficient and durable aircraft manufacturing.

As RFSSW continues to evolve, its applications will expand, offering innovative solutions to complex joining challenges across industries. Bond’s expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of RFSSW technology, always seeking new ways to leverage the benefits of this cutting-edge technology.

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) is incredibly fast—typically under one second per weld. This video has been slowed down to give a closer look at the precision and efficiency of the process.

Key Advantages of RFSSW Welding ​

A Cleaner Joining Process

RFSSW does not require shielding gas, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly process.

Superior Cosmetics

The process mechanically disrupts oxide-covered surfaces, resulting in smooth and aesthetically pleasing welds.

Single Setup for Different Thicknesses

RFSSW can accommodate varying material thicknesses with a single tool setup, enhancing its versatility.

Joining Dissimilar Materials

RFSSW is capable of joining dissimilar materials, opening up new possibilities for material combinations in manufacturing.

Low Cycle Time

RFSSW offers low cycle times, with some alloys and thicknesses achieving sub-one-second weld times.

Assemblies with RFSSW joints have these qualities:

  • High Joint Quality
  • Smooth Surfaces
  • Excellent Durability
  • Design Flexibility
  • Production Friendly

Download Bond’s RFSSW brochure

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

For customer service questions related to your existing RFSSW machine by Bond Technologies, call us directly at +1 (574) 327-6730.