Abstract
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process; i.e., no melting occurs. The welding process is promoted by the rotation and translation of an axis-symmetric non-consumable tool along the weld centerline. Thus, the FSW process is performed at much lower temperatures than conventional fusion welding, nevertheless it has some disadvantages. Laser Assisted Friction Stir Welding (LAFSW) is a combination in which the FSW is the dominant welding process and the laser pre-heats the weld. In this work FSW and LAFSW tests were conducted on 6 mm thick 5754H111 aluminum alloy plates in butt joint configuration. LAFSW is studied firstly to demonstrate the weldability of aluminum alloy using that technique. Secondly, process parameters, such as laser power and temperature gradient are investigated in order to evaluate changes in microstructure, micro-hardness, residual stress, and tensile properties. Once the possibility to achieve sound weld using LAFSW is demonstrated, it will be possible to explore the benefits for tool wear, higher welding speeds, and lower clamping force.
Highlights
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new welding process, which was developed at TheWelding Institute (TWI), Cambridge, United Kingdom, in 1991.FSW offers significant benefits over conventional joining processes so it has attracted attention as a solid state bonding method with low heat input and has become widespread as a lap joint technique to weld together aluminum alloy sheets [1]
The cross-sections of the metallographic specimens were prepared by standard metallographic techniques, etched by HF’s reagent (5 mL HF, 120 mL H2O).The microstructural behaviour of 5754 aluminium alloy joined by FSW and HLFSW was studied by employing an optical microscope in all the conditions of welding speed
The effects of the Laser Assisted Friction Stir Welding on 5754 aluminium welding have been the subjects of this paper
Summary
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new welding process, which was developed at The. Researchers have explored different aspects of this process namely, tool design, microstructural and mechanical properties, residual stress, and mathematical modeling. Fujii [4] studied the effect of tool design on mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir welded aluminum alloys. An attempt has been made to study the effect of tool pin profiles and welding speed on the formation of friction stir processing zone in AA2219 aluminum alloy. FSW and LAFSW tests were conducted on 6 mm thick 5754 H111 aluminum alloy plates, in butt joint configuration, with constant tool rotation rate and with different feed rates in order to compare the two processes and to evaluate changes in microstructure, micro-hardness, residual stress, and tensile properties induced by laser pre-heating. Once the effectiveness of LAFSW is demonstrated, it will be possible to study its efficiency by investigating the effects on tool wear and process productivity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
