When MTS Systems built its ISTIR Advanced Friction Stir Welding developed system, it kept its sensor selection in the family by choosing MTS Sensors' Temposonics linear-position sensors to ensure the precision and repeatability of its machines. ISTIR PDS is the first fully instrumented friction stir welding system capable of performing load-controlled welds along three independent axes.

This case study discusses the history of the friction stir welding process, the creation of the ISTIR Process Development System (PDS) and the MTS Systems products that were chosen for use in the ISTIR Process Development System.