Patent attributes
Method and apparatus for friction welding termination elements at first and second ends (21, 23) of a cylindrical shaft (15) in alaignment with an axis. A shaft receiver (17) receives the cylindrical shaft (15), and a first chuck (70) grips and rotates the cylindrical shaft (15) in alignment with the axis. A second chuck (75) grips the cylindrical shaft (15) and translates the second chuck (75) between first and second axial positions. A first termination receiver (155) receives the first termination (30) and axially translates same to a first installation position. An installation drive (90) urges the first termination (30) axially toward the cylindrical shaft (15) as it is rotated. A second termination receiver axially translates second termination (32) to a second installation position in allignment with the axis. A second installation drive (91) urges the second termination element (32) axially toward the cylindrical shaft as it is rotated. The first chuck (70) is rotated at approximately between 500 to 6000 rmp. The first installation drive arrangement (90) applies between 250 to 3000 pounds of axial force for between 1 and 15 seconds during a heating phase, and between 1500 to 12000 pounds of axial force for between 0.5 and 10 seconds during a forging phase.
