CPC B23K 20/023 (2013.01) [F16L 13/02 (2013.01); B23K 2101/06 (2018.08)] | 2 Claims |
1. A system for securing first and second metal workpieces defining first and second central axes thereof to a central metal workpiece defining a central axis thereof located between the first and second metal workpieces to form an assembly in a confined space defined by at least one stationary element, the system comprising:
first and second clamps, securable to the first and second metal workpieces respectively;
a central gear, securable to the central metal workpiece;
a drive gear, meshably engagable with the central gear;
a motor secured to said at least one stationary element, for rotating the central metal workpiece about the central axis;
first and second heating elements, positionable respectively between (i) the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, and (ii) the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, for respectively heating (i) opposed ends of the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, and (ii) opposed ends of the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, to a hot working temperature at which the opposed ends of the first and second ends are plastically deformable;
at least one shielding subassembly, for providing at least one non-oxidizing atmosphere enveloping the opposed ends of the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece and the opposed ends of the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece;
at least one first ram subassembly, for pushing the first metal workpiece against the central metal workpiece;
at least one central ram subassembly, for pushing the central metal workpiece against the second metal workpiece;
at least one alignment subassembly, for maintaining the first metal workpiece, the central metal workpiece, and the second metal workpiece in coaxial alignment when the first and second metal workpieces are pushed against the central metal workpiece;
at least one arm (157) comprising an outer end (158) thereof that is slidably engaged with said at least one alignment subassembly (154); and
a plurality of bearings (156) mounted on said at least one arm (157) for engagement with the central metal workpiece (126) as the central metal workpiece (126) is rotated, to maintain the central metal workpiece (126) in coaxial alignment with the first and second workpieces,
wherein the first and second heating elements are removable once the opposed ends of the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, and the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece, are heated to the hot working temperature, and the first metal workpiece is then pushed against the rotating central metal workpiece, and at the same time the central metal workpiece is pushed against the second metal workpiece, subjecting the first and second metal workpieces and the central metal workpiece to plastic deformation and shear stresses, for bonding the opposed ends of the first metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece together, and for bonding the opposed ends of the second metal workpiece and the central metal workpiece together to form the assembly in the confined space.
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