TWI Digital Library

Ni3Al/Ni3V dual two-phase intermetallic alloys, incorporating Ta and Re additions, with enhanced high-temperature strength and hardness, were developed for friction stir welding tool applications and applied to fabricate butt welds in SUS 430 steel (0.07%C, 0.83%Mn, 16.17%Cr, 0.12%Ni) sheets (thickness 1 mm). Room temperature and high temperature mechanical properties of the two-phase alloys were examined. Welding experiments were performed using a gate type machine under load or position control using two-phase alloy tools of different composition. The total welding length varied from 8000-20,000 mm. Weldments were characterised by surface appearance observations and tensile strength measurements. The effect of heat treatment on welding tool performance is discussed.

9th International Symposium, 15-17 May 2012, Session 3B: FSW Tools, Paper 01