West Midlands Branch Online Technical Talk - Friction Welding: From Process Understanding to Application

What will the event cover:

Friction Welding:  From Process Understanding to Application

What will you learn:

This presentation provides and overview of friction welding and its growing role in modern manufacturing.  It begins with a summary of the primary friction welding processes - linear, rotary, and friction stir welding - along with an explanation of how controlled frictional heat and forging pressure create solid-state joints without melting.  The session highlights the key advantages of these processes, including low distortion, excellent mechanical performance, high repeatability and the ability to join dissimilar or hard-to-weld alloys.  Attention is given to material behaviour and microstructural evolution, showing how solid-state bonding produces refined, defect-free weld zones with predictable properties.  The presentation concludes with industrial applications across aerospace, automotive, rail, heavy engineering, and energy, demonstrating how friction welding delivers reliable, high-integrity joints for demanding components.

Our industry expert:

Dr Anthony McAndrew BEng PhD CEng MWeldI - Business Development Lead - KUKA Systems UK Ltd

Meet the expert:

Anthony McAndrew is the Business Development Lead at KUKA Systems UK Ltd, specialising in advanced welding solutions.  With expertise in friction welding and additive manufacturing, he bridges research and industry to help manufacturers adopt high-value joining technologies that improve resilience and efficiency.

Anthony hold a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, and PhD in Manufacturing Engineering, and is a Chartered Engineer with The Welding Institute.  His career includes senior roles at Cranfield University, TWI Ltd, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.  He has supervised 12 postgraduate researchers and authored 22 publications with more than 1,000 citations.

Benefits from attending the event:

• Information transfer from experts
• Discussion, questions and answers on the specific topics
• A broader understanding of the extent of standards in the industry
• Attendance of this event qualifies for CPD 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

The Welding Institute awards points towards CPD for delegates attending this webinar. Every hour attendance of an event will earn 2 points towards your continuing professional development.