Friction Stir Dovetail (IMAGE) DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Caption Friction Stir Dovetailing is a process that joins thick plates of aluminum to steel. The new process will be used to make lighter-weight military vehicles that are more agile and fuel efficient. Credit PNNL Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.