Friction Stir Welding replaces riveting.

Innovative welding technology for the aerospace industry.

As part of a close collaboration with the renowned Technical University of Darmstadt and our valued customer, AIRBUS Aerostructures GmbH, FOOKE has developed, designed, and manufactured a groundbreaking 5-axis FSW system. This system is specifically engineered to weld spherically curved fuselage shells of the Airbus A321 with precision and efficiency.

Research funded by the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony (NBank) within the "MeGro" project has shown that traditional riveting can be replaced by modern Friction Stir Welding (FSW). 

This innovative process enables us to significantly reduce the weight of the aircraft—by 1 kg per meter of fuselage. This not only has a positive impact on fuel consumption but also makes a substantial contribution to more environmentally friendly aviation.

With this state-of-the-art 5-axis FSW system, FOOKE is setting new standards in the aerospace industry. Our technology has already been successfully tested on real components at AIRBUS and contributes to a more efficient, eco-friendly, and economical production of aircraft fuselage structures.

DO IT SIMPLE - LESS IS MORE

Advantages of FSW Technology

  • No sealant required
  • No drilling chips
  • Reduced tool wear
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Reduced fuel consumption
  • Improved aerodynamics
  • Reduced cleaning effort
  • No rivet head maintenance
  • Full recyclability of the longitudinal seam
  • Elimination of titanium fasteners

Presentation at ILA 2024 in Berlin

Do you have any questions about

MeGro-Project

 

Contact Matthias Müller,
our Head of Research & Development – he will be happy to assist you!

Phone: +49 (0) 2861 / 8009 - 355
Email: mmueller[at]​fooke.de