23/02/2011
NOTICE OF INTENT
Please view the below notification of the intent of FPRI in collaboration with eNtsa to arrange an International conference on Friction Processing
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DEVELOPMENT OF FRICTION PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
IN SOUTH AFRICA
HOSTED BY THE NMMU
DATE: 30 August 2011 – 31 August 2011 (2 Day Conference)
PLACE: Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
VENUE: North Conference Centre, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Anyone interested in friction processing from the basic understanding of the process and material used, to those interested in how a process can be integrated and optimised for various manufacturing applications. It is our goal to bring both academic and industry together that may benefit from interaction of information sharing. This includes end-users and scientists as well as engineers and technicians engaged in developing friction processing technology for manufacturing.
INTRODUCTION
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) invented at the World Centre for Materials Joining UK (TWI) was the start of an exciting research era as it sparked the interest of joining applications worldwide. Internationally recognised expertise in the field of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) are using the process knowledge for the development of engineering platforms with application of the technology to a wide range of applications including the power generation and nuclear industry. NMMU researchers have successfully obtained sufficient resources to acquire a friction stir platform for research and development purposes. Current research on the platform focuses on the joining of high temperature alloys. This includes the joining of titanium alloys, stainless steels and other steel alloys as well as various combinations of dissimilar metal welds.
BACKGROUND: FRICTION PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY@ NMMU
The establishment of the Manufacturing Technology Research Centre in 1998 was the beginning of developing expertise within the Faculty at the NMMU. Industrial partners now had the opportunity to explore the knowledge and skills developed through research. The first friction stir weld in South Africa was proudly produced by institutional researchers and students in January 2002, broadening the understanding of the process and application and introducing this new technology to South African industry. Various institutional groups such as eNtsa (previously known as the Automotive Components Technology Station) and Friction Processing Research Institute has been formed in the interest of research and innovation.
PLEASE WATCH THE WEBSITE OR CONTACT US TO CONFIRM THIS CONFERENCE.
Please forward your enquires to Nadine.Marupen@mandela.ac.za with the subject line: IFPC 2011.