TWI are undertaking further testing on a friction process to weld wood. Having previously explored the process, TWI are now working on using linear friction welding to join larger pieces of wood faster than before.
The fast bonding process can be completed in moments, with the cycle time lasting less than ten seconds from start to finish.
Although tests are still in progress, the process has many potential benefits, including environmental factors as the joining doesn’t require the addition of any other materials to the wood.
An in-depth study is underway to assess the performance of the joins, with potential applications including structural uses and for high volume manufacturing of items such as furniture, barrels or even food containers.
While ongoing analytical work will include fire and mechanical testing on the wood welding process, initial tests are good.
We will bring more news on the development of this process in due course, but in the meantime, you can find out more about our friction processes here.