Bond Technologies, as a leading manufacturer of friction stir welding (FSW), refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW), and friction stir extrusion (FSE) equipment, is uniquely positioned to see how these technologies are moving into the realm of commercial production.

FSW has moved forward from being purely a research topic to being a fully industrialized process. Many manufacturers are new to friction-based processes and need assistance in developing and characterizing commercial components. However, FSW is still in its infancy and new tools and techniques are being developed with an eye towards practical uses. The point is, there are commercial funding opportunities, and universities that are suitably equipped will attract this funding.

Bond Technologies has developed a series of friction stir welding (FSW) systems specifically tailored for the needs of the welding and materials research communities: the RM-Series^TM of welding systems. One of these systems can be purchased for less than one half million dollars.