Friction stir welded butt joints optimization

Abstract

Friction stir welding is an emergent technique that still lacks optimization studies in the literature. Optimum parameters are of prime importance for future investigations, as it will allow for consistent and sound welds. This is of even greater relevance for industrial applications, as for friction stir welding to become a mainstream joining technology. This paper presents an optimization study of friction stir welded butt joints through the Taguchi method. The most influent welding parameters and their trends were identified. The process optimization for the selected aluminium alloy was achieved and the best parameters combination to accomplished quality welds was selected. The parameters combination that lead to higher mechanical stiffness were: 1000 min–1, 290 mm/min, 0.15 mm from the probe to the root surface and a shoulder/probe diameters ratio of 2 (shoulder diameter of 12 mm). Equations to estimate joint properties were derived by multiregression.