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The use of friction stir welding to produce aluminium alloy tailor welded blanks for automotive applications was investigated by measuring the hardness and microstructure of friction stir welds in aluminium alloy 5052 (Al, 2.46%Mg, 0.24%Fe, 0.15%Cr, 0.1%Si) sheet of 2 mm thickness. Threaded pins of 3 mm diameter, with shoulder diameters of 9-15 mm, rotating at 2000-4000 rpm, were used at welding speed of 16.7-33.3 mm/s. The welds were characterised by Vickers hardness measurements and microstructural studies.

4th International Symposium, 14-16 May 2003, Poster Session, Paper 09