C. B. Fuller, M. W. Mahoney, W. H. Bingel, Rockwell Scientific, Thousand Oaks, CA
Summary: Friction-stir processing (FSP) is a new surface-engineering technology that locally eliminates porosity and refines microstructures. We will show that FSP has improved the surface properties of Al, Cu, Fe, and Ni-based alloys. Details of the benefits and limitations of FSP, along with examples of current and potential applications, are presented.