a friction welding fastener system is disclosed for fusing a thermoplastic material fastener to a substrate by heat of friction induced through the application of rotative and axial forces applied to the fastener . a cavity is formed inwardly of the bottom surface of the thermoplastic base member and a heat activated adhesive material having a bonding affinity for both the base material and the substrate material is inserted into the cavity to form a layer having a thickness equal or greater than the thickness of the base member . the base member is rotated with sufficient rotative and axial forces to cause the heat activated adhesive layer to adhere to the substrate .