MTI spindle and motor spindle repair
Brochexpress is an independent workshop specialising in the repair, maintenance and diagnostics of MTI spindles and motor spindles — Manufacturing Technology, Inc., the century-old American manufacturer, a reference in friction stir welding machines for aerospace and automotive.
MTI, a century of American expertise in friction stir welding
TLDR: Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI), now celebrating its centenary, designs and manufactures a complete range of friction stir welding (FSW) machines, with GG, PM, RM, LS and Flatline series offering solutions suited to every stage of production, from R&D to large-scale manufacturing.
Manufacturing Technology, Inc. (MTI), proudly celebrating its centenary, designs and manufactures a complete range of friction stir welding machines engineered for precision, reliability and seamless integration into automated production environments. Whether joining aluminium panels, bimetallic assemblies or complex contoured structures, the MTI machine series — GG, PM, RM, LS and Flatline — offer tailored solutions for every stage of production, from R&D through to large-scale manufacturing. In a strategic partnership with STIRTEC, MTI strengthens its FSW capabilities by drawing on the latest technologies for faster, smoother production, with applications covering electric vehicles, ships, rockets and many other advanced industrial sectors.
A rotating welding spindle with high thrust force for the FSW process
TLDR: The friction stir welding process relies on a rotating pin tool that plunges into the joint between two parts and applies an axial force (on the Z axis) while generating heat through mechanical friction, with MTI systems such as the LS-1 able to deliver up to 67 kN of welding force on the spindle.
Friction stir welding relies on a tool (pin tool) mounted in a drive spindle, which begins to rotate then plunges into the two pieces of metal to be joined while maintaining a downward force on the Z axis. The mechanical friction generated by the shoulder of the tool preheats the materials to a plasticised state, below melting point, forming a solid-state weld as the tool travels along the joint. The MTI LS-1 system is designed to deliver up to 67 kN of welding force on the spindle, at a maximum speed suited to the application. The most advanced MTI machines (such as the FS-1 series) include an automatic tool changer, a zero-point location system and a rotary head for aerospace and automotive applications, with weld lengths reaching several tens of metres on longbed configurations with twin welding heads.
MTI spindles and motor spindles covered (non-exhaustive list)
- Rotating FSW welding spindles, force up to 67 kN, LS series
- Spindles combined with the automatic tool changer, FS series
- Rotary head spindles for aerospace and automotive applications
- Spindles of longbed machines with twin welding heads
- Spindles of GG, PM, RM and Flatline series machines
Interfaces and specifications
The MTI spindles and motor spindles we repair can deliver thrust forces of up to 67 kN, with automatic tool changer and rotary head configurations on the most advanced models — exact specifications (rotation speeds) to be confirmed on quotation according to the reference of your machine. Since the friction stir welding spindle is a rotating motorised assembly working under permanent axial load, it calls for the same know-how as machining motor spindles: inspection of bearings, balancing and sealing.
Our expertise on your MTI spindles and motor spindles
TLDR: Brochexpress works across the entire life cycle of your MTI spindles and motor spindles, with the same rigour as for the other brands in our portfolio.
On-site customer service
- Diagnostics and service directly on your machine, in your production workshop, to limit downtime on your friction stir welding line
Full diagnostics
- Inspection of clearances, balancing, bearing condition, sealing and the axial force system, with a detailed technical report
Preventive and corrective maintenance
- Maintenance programme tailored to the production rates of the aerospace and automotive industries, together with corrective action in the event of a breakdown
Overhaul and refurbishment
- Grinding, bearing replacement, sealing refurbishment and rotation testing in the workshop, restoring the manufacturer's original tolerances
Why choose Brochexpress for your MTI spindles and motor spindles
- An independent workshop, with no capital ties to manufacturers, guaranteeing an objective diagnosis
- Expertise in high-thrust welding spindles and automatic tool changer systems
- Two service sites: Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland)
- Support from the first intervention through to return to production
Turnaround and warranty
- On-site service within 48h
- Workshop repair: around 20 working days depending on parts availability
- 12-month warranty on all our repairs
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair the high-force FSW welding spindles (up to 67 kN) of the LS series?
Yes, we work on these spindles, taking account of their specific axial force requirements.
Do you work on the rotary head spindles of FS series machines for aerospace?
Yes, we diagnose and repair these spindles, preserving their automatic tool changer system.
How long does a full overhaul take?
Allow around 20 working days in the workshop, depending on the condition of the spindle and the availability of parts (bearings, seals, specific components).
Do you work on the spindles of longbed machines with twin welding heads?
Yes, we diagnose and repair these spindles, whatever the weld length handled.
Do you offer a preventive maintenance contract for a fleet of MTI machines?
Yes, we set up preventive maintenance programmes tailored to your production rate.
A reliable partner for your industrial performance
Whether it is an emergency on-site intervention, a full workshop overhaul or a preventive maintenance programme, Brochexpress brings its expertise to your production. As an independent workshop, we work across all MTI spindles and motor spindles — spindles of friction stir welding machines — with the responsiveness and rigour demanded by the most exacting industrial environments: aerospace, automotive and marine.
Our teams are at your disposal from our sites in Beaurepaire (France) and Lussery-Villars (Switzerland) for a study of your needs, a diagnosis or a personalised quotation.
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MTI® is a registered trademark of Manufacturing Technology, Inc. Brochexpress is neither affiliated with, nor a partner of, nor an authorised distributor of Manufacturing Technology, Inc. Our business covers independent repair and maintenance of industrial equipment, permitted under the principle of referential trademark use (EU Trademark Directive 2015/2436 / French Intellectual Property Code, art. L.713-6).