Friction Stir Welders
Friction Stir Welding Machines Built for Industrial Performance
MTI designs and manufactures a full range of friction stir welding (FSW) machines engineered for precision, reliability, and seamless integration into automated production environments. Whether you’re joining aluminum panels, bi-metallic assemblies, or complex contoured structures, MTI’s machine series — GG, PM, RM, LS, and Flatline — offer tailored solutions for every stage of production, from R&D to full-scale manufacturing.
What Is Friction Stir Welding (FSW)?
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process in which a rotating pin tool on a friction stir welding machine mechanically stirs two materials together along the bond line to form a high-strength, defect-free weld. The friction stir process generates heat through controlled friction and pressure, plasticizing the material rather than melting it. This eliminates porosity, reduces distortion, and preserves material properties.
As global FSW machine manufacturers, MTI designs and builds advanced friction stir welding machines, heads, and tools that allow manufacturers to automate production, increase joining consistency, and achieve faster, more reliable assemblies across a wide range of materials and applications.
Why Choose MTI as Your Friction Stir Welding Machine Supplier?
Nadcap-accredited and certified to internationally recognized quality standards, MTI is a trusted manufacturer of friction stir welding machines. As global suppliers of friction stir welding machines since 2008, we bring decades of welding engineering expertise to every solution we deliver.
Organizations across industries trust MTI for custom-engineered friction stir welding machines that integrate seamlessly into automated production lines. From standalone FSW machines to dual head capabilities, we work closely with manufacturers to develop joining solutions that meet exact application, material, and production requirements.
Seamless Automation Integration
MTI friction stir welding machines are engineered to support a wide range of applications and production environments, from R&D to full-scale automated manufacturing.
The GG Series machines are the most versatile, capable of welding complex contours with precision and agility—ideal for critical structures like wing panels, ship propellers, railcar bodies, and defense components.
MTI’s PM Series is the most compact and cost-effective Friction Stir Welding solution; purpose built for high volume production of smaller components.
The RM Series machines are designed to weld a wide range of materials, making them especially popular in research, development, and process validation environments.
Our LS machines are the most versatile solution in our portfolio, engineered for exceptional flexibility with its 3-axis weld capability, optional A/B tilt angle and modular base to scale the machine footprint to production needs.
The Flatline Series is purpose‑built to achieve the highest Friction Stir Welding speeds for automotive and other high‑volume industries.
While each machine series is optimized for specific applications, they all share key advantages that manufacturers can rely on.
Solid-State Precision
The solid-state joining process produces low distortion and excellent dimensional stability, making these machines ideal for flat panels, cylindrical parts, and precision assemblies.
Green Technology
Friction Stir Welding requires no fumes or shielding gas, providing a cleaner, safer, and more environmentally responsible welding solution.
Automation Ready
MTI friction stir welding machines are designed for seamless integration into existing production lines, including automated cells, to enable scalable, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing.
FSW is Ideal for Bi-Metallic Metals
Friction Stir Welding is a solid-state joining process that prevents the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds that ruin joints. Through this technology, our FSW machines open new possibilities for advanced manufacturing. Commonly used for aluminum friction stir welding, FSW enables manufacturers to create high-strength, defect-free joints across a wide range of materials without melting the base metal.
Looking for Contract Welding?
Not ready to invest in capital equipment? MTI’s contract Friction Stir Welding services let you validate materials, prove joint designs, and move parts into production—without the upfront cost of owning a machine. Our US and India teams handle everything from early development to full-scale production on proven FSW machines.
With integrated pre and post-welding services (including tooling, inspection, and finishing) you get a single partner to take your part from idea to production-ready.
Our Commitment
Quality is at the core of our ingenuity
MTI brings the highest possible degree of safety and quality, whether it’s a part we’re welding or a machine we’re building. We are equipped to produce parts for the most sensitive environments and exacting standards.