Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state joining process that uses a customized tool consisting of a probe (pin) and shoulder. The tool is submerged into two solid materials at a joint line using the downard and rotational force of a spindle to generate heat frictionally. As the tool traverses, the probe stirs material forming a solid-phase joint.

Cold plates are products that are often friction stir welded. This process is implemented on a high speed vertical CNC machine. Machining and welding are done on same work center resulting in superior alignment and registration of part and minimizes queue time.

FSW offers numerous advantages:

• Faster Prototyping

• Higher Production Volume

• Shorter Production Lead Times

• Most economical solution for simpler design

With faster prototyping, higher production volume and shorter lead times, friction stir welding is the preferred process for manufacturing cold plates for those customers looking for a cost effective solution for their products.

Metalli's friction stir selded cooling plate is to use FSW bonding technique to bond top cover to machined bottom plate with desired channel layout to form one finished cooling plate. Compared with vacuum brazed cooling plate, this type of cooling plate has lower cost in manufacturing.