About Stirweld
Shaping the future of Friction Stir Welding with innovation and expertise.
We Make Friction Stir Welding Accessible
Since its inception, Stirweld has been at the forefront of the Friction Stir Welding industry. Our foundational mission is not only to introduce you to this groundbreaking technology but to ensure its seamless integration into your operations. We are dedicated to enhancing your experience with advanced, cost-effective products and services that encapsulate the full potential of FSW. Our team, a blend of expertise and unwavering dedication, is reshaping the market by making FSW technology affordable for a broader range of applications. For too long, since 1995, FSW has been the exclusive domain of high-value sectors. At Stirweld, we turn the tide with our innovative and adaptable solutions, democratizing FSW and propelling industries forward.
At Stirweld, we’re driven by a core set of principles that influence our actions and fuel our success. Our values are the cornerstones of our identity, reflecting our commitment to innovation, ecological responsibility, workplace enjoyment, ethical practices, and global reach. They shape the way we work with our customers, our approach to business, and our contributions to industry advancements.
Innovation
We dedicate at least 15% of our turnover to R&D, assisting clients to create quality, innovative products at the best price, with certified processes (ISO 9001, ISO 25239, AWS D17.3, lean manufacturing).
Ecology
Dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint (ISO 14001 initiative), we engage in eco-friendly projects (e-mobility, hydrogen, biogas) and support the use of sustainable and recyclable materials like aluminum.
Conviviality
We are committed to a work culture that respects individuals, encourages enjoyable and modern practices, and promotes open knowledge sharing and strategic transparency within our team and with partners.
Ethics
Our commitment is to build a responsible business that addresses societal issues, respects human and diversity rights, ensures gender equality, involves the youth and contributes to Industry 4.0 (ISO 26000 initiative).
International
A multicultural team and worldwide client base underscore our dedication to global engagement, showcasing our expansive reach and commitment to fostering international relationships and understanding.
Our Vision: Pioneering Sustainable Innovation in Friction Stir Welding
At Stirweld, our vision is centered around contributing to ecological and industrial transition through the democratization of Friction Stir Welding. We believe that by making FSW more accessible, we can significantly impact both the environment and the future of manufacturing.
Our Ecological Contribution
Our Industrial Contribution
Democratizing Friction Stir Welding
From our inception, Stirweld has been at the forefront of FSW innovation. Our path is marked by a steadfast commitment to democratize this advanced technology. With each step, we have turned industry challenges into opportunities, bringing friction stir welding into a new era of accessibility and excellence.
Inception of the project
Laurent Dubourg, our CEO, explored FSW technology since 2005 and faced a primary challenge: the high cost of FSW machines. This led him to ponder, “Why not use a CNC machine for FSW?”
First development
Gilles Sevestre, our CTO, developed the first FSW head for CNC.
Stirweld’s birth
Stirweld was founded as a French start-up with the ambition of democratizing Friction Stir Welding worldwide. We become a Tier 1 supplier for the Ariane 6 program.
International development
Stirweld had already sold six FSW heads internationally and had a team of six members.
Fundraising of 2 millions €
Stirweld accelerated its growth, raising €2 million in funds and expanding its team by 10 people.
1 million € of turnover
Stirweld continued to grow, with a turnover surpassing 1 million euros and a dedicated team of 16 people.
Stirweld lands in USA
The international expansion of Stirweld accelerated, with 32 heads installed globally, achieving a turnover of 2 million euros and growing the team to 25 employees. Additionally, to enhance our proximity to customers and to respond more swiftly to their needs, we established Stirweld Inc., a subsidiary based in Detroit, MI, USA.
A new home for growth
Stirweld relocated to a larger facility in France, scaling up our capacity for innovation and growth to meet the future demands of FSW technology.
2024
Recognition and Trust: Stirweld European Projects
The innovative spirit and technical expertise of Stirweld have garnered significant trust across Europe, underscored by successful participation in two major European projects:
The H2020 Cleansky project, “FUN HEAD”, marks a collaborative victory for Stirweld, alongside partners ICA Armines and Avantis. This collaboration led to the development of the FSW head with retractable pin, pushing the boundaries of welding technology further into the future.
Stirweld has proudly contributed to the H2020, Innovation Action project “RESURGAM,” focusing on the innovative welding of steel structures and underwater aluminium. This initiative is setting new benchmarks in welding technologies, enhancing capabilities for a sustainable industrial future.
These projects reflect not only Stirweld position at the forefront of innovation but also showcase a commitment to advancing the industry through collaborative excellence and groundbreaking research.
ISO 9001 Standard
The ISO 9001 standard guarantees the proper implementation of our company’s quality management system.
ISO 25239 – Friction Stir Welding
Stirweld rigorously follows the guidelines set out in ISO 25239 – Friction Stir Welding: design of weld joints, qualification of welding operators, specification and qualification of welding procedures, quality and inspection requirements.
TWI Industrial Member
Stirweld is an industrial member of TWI, a leading independent research & technology organization and the inventor of FSW.
American Welding Society – D17.3
Requirements for friction stir welding of aluminium aerospace hardware (design of welded joints, qualification of procedures & operators, fabrication & inspection.
Stirweld is supported by large number of key innovation players:
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