TWI

An investigation is presented into the use of temperature control in two friction stir welding (FSW) research projects: to understand the effect of backing plate conductivity on process parameters and to study the influence of active FSW tool cooling on parameters and weld nugget shape. Experiments were conducted on AA 6061-T6 aluminium alloy plates (thickness 6 mm). The disturbance rejection methods examined were modification of the thermal mass surrounding the stir zone and changing the process parameters feed rate (100-800 mm/min) and weld depth (1.5-2.7 mm). In both cases one welding run was conducted at constant rotational speed and the other at constant temperature. A process development study was undertaken to compare temperature control and spindle speed control methods with respect to welding speed and the quality of surface finish.

10th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2014, Session 7A: Inspection, Paper 04