R&D / Feasibility Studies
Contract-R&D
Research and development as a service
We are your reliable partner for research and development – supporting you in tackling specific technological challenges, developing new products, or thoroughly evaluating the market readiness of an idea. Our experienced team combines FSW expertise, material knowledge, and process competence to implement innovative solutions in a practical and goal-oriented way.
Typical applications that can be reliably tested and validated with Stirtec:
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- Development of FSW joints for material combinations considered as hardly or non-weldable, such as aluminum with high-strength steel or copper.
- Implementation of welding solutions for components with limited accessibility, where conventional methods reach their limits.
- Feasibility studies and prototype development for complex hybrid materials still in the research or early development phase.
- Validation and optimization of the friction stir welding process on components to ensure product quality and reproducibility.
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We actively drive innovation in friction stir welding. We develop novel spot welding solutions (e.g. ContactStir®) and friction-based joining processes specifically tailored to the challenges of your components. These approaches not only optimize the welding process itself, but also enhance product performance, unlock new functionalities, and realize entirely new application possibilities. With Stirtec, you gain more than just insights — you gain concrete, actionable results that can directly feed into your product strategy.
Feasibility studies
Your entry for industrializationThe primary goal of a feasibility study is to confirm the fundamental suitability of a component for friction stir welding, identify specific areas for improvement, evaluate economic efficiency through maximum welding speeds, and outline the investment requirements for future series projects. Our feasibility studies include full FSW process parameterization, weld qualification according to relevant standards, and — depending on the component requirements — a detailed functional evaluation. We document all relevant welding parameters in detail, such as downforce, spindle speed, feed rate, and the interaction between FSW tool and clamping system affecting process stability. These investigations are complemented by accompanying distortion or leak tests, as well as metallographic cross-section analyses in accordance with FSW standard ISO 25239:2020.
At the end, we provide a technical project summary with an outlook and targeted recommendations serving as a solid basis for decision-making regarding further functional samples or prototypes: Which process windows are stable, which quality targets are achievable, and how your components can be efficiently manufactured in series production.
Through our active involvement, a feasibility study becomes not just a successful project start — but the beginning of a lasting partnership.
Are you interested in determining the feasibility of a new concept using friction stir welding? Or do you need support in selecting the most suitable system for series production in your application?
Please contact us directly – we would be happy to advise and support you.