TWI Digital Library

Following a brief overview of the state of the art and applications for FSW of aluminium and Al alloys, experience and activities with this process at TWI Ltd (UK) are introduced. Principles, advantages and applications are presented of some process…

The influence of tool geometry and process conditions on the lap shear strength, weld integrity and efficiency during friction stir spot welding of magnesium alloys for automotive applications was investigated. The macro- and microstructures and wel…

A description is presented on the friction stir welding (FSW) equipment developed for the joining of thin gauge complex-contour aluminium structures for the construction of the Eclipse 500 twin-engine jet aircraft. The design and capabilities of the…

Friction stir welded joints in 2024-T351 Al-Cu-Mg alloy were subjected to fatigue testing to evaluate the suitability of this welding process for aircraft manufacture. Aluminium alloy (Al, 3.8-4.9%Cu, 1.2-1.8%Cu, 0.5%Si, 0.5%Fe, 0.2%Zr) of 6.35 mm (…

Extruded AZ31 (Mg, 3%Al, 1%Zn) alloy plates (thickness 6 mm) were joined by one-run or two-run friction stir welding (FSW) and the microstructure, mechanical properties and residual stress characteristics of the welded joints were investigated. FSW …

With regard to the occurrence of residual oxide defects associated with friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium alloys, an investigation is presented into a possible alternative mechanism for oxide formation within the weld nugget involving enhance…

A method investigated by Sweden for storage of nuclear waste in copper canisters sealed using friction stir welding (where EB welding has been used before) is described. Topics include: Nimonic 105 and Densimet sintered tungsten alloy tool; welding …

Two abutting plates (thickness 6 mm) of Al 6061-T6 and cold rolled AISI 1018 mild steel were friction stir welded along the butt joint with the steel and aluminium, respectively, on advancing and retreating sides, and the relationship between proces…

The relationship between microstructure and properties, and the influence of microstructure on the fracture toughness of friction stir welded aluminium alloys with weld zone strength undermatching were investigated. Welds were made in 5005-H14, 2024…

The feasibility of friction stir welding steels was investigated using mild (low-carbon) steel plate (AISI-1010) of 6.4 mm (0.25 in) thickness. Temperature distributions were predicted using a simple thermal model. Tool wear was assessed by determin…

A review is presented of process development work undertaken with regard to a machine concept assessment and the realisation of a fully 3D-capable 5-axis parallel kinematic friction stir welding machine, a so-called pentapod, suitable for large and …

Friction stir processing (FSP) experiments were undertaken to modify the microstructure of Ti-6%Al-4%V parent metal specimens, in both alpha/beta and beta processed conditions, and TIG weld overlays deposited onto Ti, 6%Al, 4%V alloy using matching …

An investigation is presented into the fatigue characteristics of friction stir welded (FSW) lap joints made from artificially aged Al alloy 6082 (Al, 0.6-1.2%Mg, 0.7-1.3%Si) using a tool based on the "Triflute" concept with either convex or concave…

A 16-run screening design of experiments (DOE) was conducted to analyse the effects of nine factors during friction stir welding on process forces, temperatures and shoulder depth. The factors were spindle speed, feed rate, plunge depth, pin length,…

Friction stir welding (FSW) was employed to join partially recrystallised AA 5052 (Al, 2.3%Mg) sheet specimens (thickness 5 mm) and the relationship between microstructural development, mechanical properties and process parameters was investigated. …

Friction stir welding (FSW) was employed to weld Mo and Ti sheets (thickness 1.5 and 2 mm, respectively), the effects of process conditions on weldability as well as mechanical properties and microstructure of joints was investigated, and the import…

Forces experienced by the pin and the workpiece during friction stir welding were measured and used to design a friction stir welding machine which would accept a curved workpiece fed through the machine by hand. Forces in three perpendicular direct…

Friction stir welding of aluminium alloy JIS-6N01-T5 (Al, 0.4-0.8%Mg, 0.4-0.9%Si) was investigated for subway [underground railway] rolling stock applications by comparing the welded joint properties with those of MIG and laser welded joints. Sheet …

In battery cell assembly, tab-to-busbar joint connections are usually done by welding incompatible metals such as Ni and Al. Micro friction stir welding is becoming increasingly popular as a joining method due to its solid-state nature. Nonetheless,…

Friction stir welding (FSW) of 2219-T6 aluminium alloys (Al, 6.48%Cu) was undertaken with the assistance of micro-plasma arc preheating, and welding efficiency as well as joint microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Longitudinal…