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To assess the feasibility of friction stir welding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy (thickness 5 mm), appropriate pin tool material and processing parameters were determined, thermal and environmental management systems were tested, and both A- and B-basis design allowables were calculated. The welding setup comprised two titanium test panels in a butt joint configuration clamped to a stainless steel structural anvil with an intermediate rolled tungsten non-consumable anvil treated with a ceramic coating, as a release agent. W, 1%La2O3 was selected as the pin tool material and welds of up to 2 m were produced. Results obtained on pin tool deformation, evaluation of cooling head and trailing shoe (for argon shielding gas delivery), metallographic analysis, Vickers microhardness and ultimate tensile/yield strength values are presented.

6th International Symposium, 10-13 Oct 2006, Session 13B: FSW of Ti Alloys, Paper 01