Abstract: Friction welding is a kind of solid-state welding technology that depends on the friction heat generation to realize materials joining. Owing to the advantages of high joint quality, low welding distortion, energy saving and environmental protection, etc., it is widely used in aerospace, transportation, mining machinery, marine equipment and other fields. In the last few decades, friction welding technology has developed rapidly, and some modified processes have been born. In this paper, the current friction welding methods were summarized according to the properties of mutual friction objects, and then the methods based on the friction between workpiece and consumable external tool were principally reviewed. The process principles and latest research progresses of radial friction welding, friction riveting, friction plug welding, friction surfacing and vortex- friction stir welding were mainly introduced, and the future development of the above welding methods is discussed, to provide reference for researchers in the related field.