TWI

An adjustable tool was employed during friction stir welding (FSW) of A1050 pure aluminium sheets (thickness 5 mm) and the effects of the tool shoulder and probe on the stir zone shape and defect formation were investigated by changing the rotational speed of each part. The tool incorporated a shoulder with a diameter of 15 mm and probes with and without threads. Rotational speeds of the shoulder and probe parts were 0-1500 rpm and 500-1500 rpm, respectively, the travel speed was 400 mm/min and the tool tilt angle was 3 deg. Cross-sectional microstructure of the welded joints was observed by optical microscopy. Issues discussed include extension of the shoulder affected stir zone in the depth direction with increasing rotational speed and the influence of material flow formed by the probe solely on expansion of optimal FSW conditions.

11th International Symposium, 17-19 May 2016, Session 8B: FSW, Paper 02