US3597832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inertia welding of steel to aluminum
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1969-02-04
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Granted: 1971-08-10
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Expires: 1989-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A process for inertia welding of steel to aluminum which may include the steps of cleaning and/or etching the parts, providing conical projections on the parts, providing a step load cycle wherein the final thrust load is high and close to the yield strength of the aluminum, utilizing moderately high speeds, the exercising close control of the alignment, amount of stickout, rigidity, and the triggering speed for the final load.
Inventors
- 👤 Marion R Calton
- 👤 Calvin D Loyd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 23:40
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K20/00; B23K20/12; B23K20/129
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A process for welding a solid aluminum bar to a solid steel bar across a common interface comprising the steps of providing a conical projection at the center of the aluminum weld surface, cleaning the steel weld surface, engaging the bars in rotating rubbing contact at a speed high enough to produce welding heat at the interface, pressing the bars together with an initial axial load low enough to avoid seizure and high enough to produce the welding heat, and then increasing the axial load to a level just below the yield strength of the aluminum bar to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A process for welding a solid aluminum bar to a solid steel bar across a common interface comprising the steps of providing a conical projection at the center of the aluminum weld surface, cleaning the steel weld surface, engaging the bars in rotating rubbing contact at a speed high enough to produce welding heat at the interface, pressing the bars together with an initial axial load low enough to avoid seizure and high enough to produce the welding heat, and then increasing the axial load to a level just below the yield strength of the aluminum bar to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said step of cleaning the steel weld surface comprises the steps selecting an acid from a group of acids consisting of concentrated hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids, and a mixture of sulfuric and phosphoric acids, and etching the steel weld surface in the selected acid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 including the step of cleaning the aluminum weld surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the step of cleaning the aluminum weld surface comprises the step of etching the surface in hydrofluoric acid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the application of the final thrust load is accomplished prior to the cessation of relative rotation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
86 words
A process of welding a solid aluminum bar to a solid steel bar comprising the steps of cleaning the steel interface surface, providing a conical projection at the center of the aluminum weld surface, rapidly rotating said bars relative to one another at a relative speed in excess of 200 surface feet per minute, forcing said bars together with an initial force of 1,020-2,550 p.s.i., and then further forcing said bars together with a force of 25, 500-51,000 p.s.i. to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
A process of welding a solid aluminum bar to a solid steel bar comprising the steps of cleaning the steel interface surface, providing a conical projection at the center of the aluminum weld surface, rapidly rotating said bars relative to one another at a relative speed in excess of 200 surface feet per minute, forcing said bars together with an initial force of 1,020-2,550 p.s.i., and then further forcing said bars together with a force of 25, 500-51,000 p.s.i. to prevent the formation of intermetallic compounds.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 6 including the step of cleaning the weld surface of the aluminum bar prior to relatively rotating the bars.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 7 wherein the step of cleaning the aluminum weld surface includes etching the surface with acid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process of claim 6 wherein said step of further forcing said bars together is performed as the relative rotational speed is decreasing and is at a speed of 500 to 100 r.p.m.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-09 | 1975-02-08 | 1975-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-09 | 1979-02-08 | 1979-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-09 | 1983-02-08 | 1983-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |