The successful development of a 2 person portable FSW machine will enable in-space applications of FSW. This includes the joining and assembling of panels as well as in-situ repair operations needed for prolong and deep space missions beyond low Earth orbit. By no longer preassembling the structures, greater payload densities could be achieved, which would reduce the overall costs. The welding and assembly would then be done at the point of use via the in-space FSW machine. In addition, the SAA-FSW tool technology can be used to replace or substitute the actuating mechanisms used with NASA's self-reacting FSW tool technology. With the SAA-FSW tool, automatic actuation and control systems are eliminated. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace companies have FSW applications very similar to NASA that would benefit from this portable system. These companies would increase the efficiency of welding operations by having a portable FSW machine to supplement existing immobile machines. Perhaps the most potential for a portable FSW machine lies with small businesses that will be poised to enter the FSW industry within the next couple of years as the major FSW patents expire. Entry into the FSW industry requires a rather significant investment to obtain the large machines. With a small portable FSW machine, entry will be much easier for these companies.
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