Rotary friction welding machines

KUKA and Thompson friction welding machines make the industrial joining of a broad range of materials simple and cost-effective. You can even weld challenging and safety-relevant material combinations with high quality in technology trends such as e-mobility and lightweight construction.

Two brands, one strong partner to cover different industries with tailor-made and standard solutions.

Over 50 years ago, KUKA established rotary friction welding as an industrial joining process. The product portfolio of KUKA welding machines was expanded in 1994 with the takeover of machine manufacturer Thompson Friction Welding (UK). Since then, KUKA has been one of the global market leaders in this field with more than 1,200 rotary friction welding machines installed in over 44 countries.

KUKA Friction Welding Machines (Germany):

KUKA offers friction welding machines for various industries and workpieces – from valves, to heat exchangers, to turbines in markets like automotive, electric and general industries, or aerospace.

Thompson Friction Welding (UK) by KUKA:

Thompson offers configurable, single and double ended machines based on platforms from 15 to 400T for welding workpieces such as axles, piston rods, or drill pipes in industries like oil and gas.

Advantages of KUKA and Thompson rotary friction welding machines

The high-tech machines set standards in terms of precision, dynamics, process control, and productivity.

Maximum cost reduction

Limit use of expensive material to those points that are relevant for the component.
Wide variety of material combinations

Confirmed weldability even of demanding combinations such as aluminum and copper
Utmost availability

Low maintenance thanks to high-quality components and durable machine technology

Maximum traceability

Detailed documentation and archiving of process data via KUKA PCD (Process Control and Documentation)
Highest ergonomics

Intuitive touchscreen operation and ergonomically designed workspace
Maximum welding quality

High quality results thanks to validation of each workpiece

With our unique KUKA Tech Centers at Augsburg (Germany) and the Thompson welding competence centre in Halesowen (UK), we are able to test the practical viability of the innovative concepts of tomorrow. We also offer additional services, such as process validation, prototype construction or small series, or take care of the entire manufacturing process in multiple-shift operation.

Standard and custom-tailored rotary friction welding machines with fixed headstock or moving headstock

Whether you opt for compact and universal series or special machines for particular components – we offer two different design types with fixed and moving headstocks that are tailored to your requirements as well as special sizes and designs on request.

The high-tech machines of KUKA and Thompson set standards in terms of precision, dynamic, process control, and productivity.

Rotary friction welding machines prepared for Industrie 4.0

Integrating rotary friction welding machines into your production network is a proven means of increasing your productivity. This requires open interfaces and intelligent control. As a manufacturer of flexible systems for automated production, we have the experience and expertise to develop and implement cost-effective complete solutions with high process reliability. With their easily accessible working area and the network capability of the controller, our rotary friction welding machines offer ideal conditions for the new era of Industrie 4.0.