Enhanced Lower Cost Tooling for Friction Stir Technologies

Under this Phase II STTR program, QuesTek Innovations LLC will continue to build on the ICME approach outlined in Phase I efforts to advance the development of a novel cost-effective cermet material for friction stir welding (FSW) tools with excellent properties and maximized ratio of tool lifetime to tool cost. QuesTek will apply its demonstrated expertise in computational materials design methodologies to design a novel high entropy alloy (HEA) binder and optimize the ceramic-HEA cermet tool material, collaborating with the experimental efforts of our STTR partner, Prof. Rajiv Mishra from University of North Texas (UNT). The inclusion of Bond Technologies Inc. deepens the teamÆs expertise in advanced FSW technologies and strengthens the connection to established commercial partners and OEMs in the FSW industry. The interactions would accelerate the development and industrial adoption of the developed novel tool materials. CoorsTek Inc., a world leader in the manufacturing of engineered ceramics, will assist QuesTek in scaling up to large quantity production of the developed tool materials through technical consultation and industrial process trials, thus facilitating commercialization of the proposed technology in the upcoming phases of the project.