TWI Digital Library

High alloy tool steel H13, silicon nitride(Si₃N₄) and tungsten carbide (WC) bonded with 10%Co cylindrical pin tools (12.5 mm diameter) were evaluated for the friction stir welding of aluminium alloy 6061 containing 20 wt% alumina by determining an effective friction coefficient for each pin tool material. The pins, rotating at 800 rpm, were forced into the composite plates under a constant force, whilst the normal force, tool displacement and spindle torque were measured and used to calculate the effective friction coefficient.

4th International Symposium, 14-16 May 2003, Session 8: Dissimilar & Special Materials 2, Paper 03