The inertia friction welding cycle from Manufacturing Technology can now orient parts using inertia or direct drive friction welding. The company is awaiting patent approval on this innovation. According to the company’s press release, the overall weld cycle is shorter, and the time it takes for the spindle’s deceleration from weld speed to 0 is always longer in the inertia cycle. The longer adjustment period assists with accuracy. Weld data is used to reproduce deceleration during the weld so adjustments needed to duplicate the deceleration are smaller and easier to make. Other features are more spindle positions for the same weld, no over-specification for drives and motors, and orientational compatibility with the inertia welding process