friction welding (frw) is a solid-state welding process that generates heat through mechanical friction between workpieces in relative motion to one another, with the addition of a lateral force called "upset" to plastically displace and fuse the materials. because no melting occurs, friction welding is not a fusion welding process in the traditional sense, but more of a forge welding technique. friction welding is used with metals and thermoplastics in a wide variety of aviation and automotive applications.