TWI

Aluminium alloy fusion welds were modified by friction stir processing (FSP) as a function of FSP location and tool design, and differences between the FSP locations and tools were quantified by microstructure and mechanical property measurements (uniaxial tensile strength, four-point bending fatigue and microhardness). Automated MIG/MAG welding of 5083-H321 and 6061-T651 plates (6 mm thickness) was performed using a filler metal of 5356 Al. Small FSP tools (12 mm diameter) were used to process the arc weld toes (fusion weld on advancing or retreating side of tool), while FSP of the weld crown was accomplished with larger tools (24-38 mm diameter). Tool designs included standard (concave) and scrolled shoulders with both short pin and pinless combinations.

5th International Symposium, 14-16 Sep 2004, Session 4B: Process Developments, Paper 02