Friction welding of dissimilar metals (aluminium AL 6061 T6 and stainless steel AISI 304)

Abstract

In friction welding, welding takes place due to exterior pressure applied on the cylindrical rods. Both the specimen to be welded are having a linear motion or a rotary motion. The main benefit of friction welding, is that it produces low distortion. The other advantage is absence of defects and comparatively high weld strength. It can also be employed to weld materials that are considered difficult to weld by older welding methods. Friction welded specimen do not require any external auxiliary such as tools or filler rods and thus helps to save cost. Also, this method requires relatively lesser welding times as compared to other welding processes. Using this technology, we can achieve welding of a large number of materials which have distinct mechanical properties and chemical composition. Friction Welding also helps to reduce the costs of process by a significant amount. This also has shown prominent reduction in overall weight of the component. This study encapsulates the work done in friction welding, presents the summary of the testing done in this field till date in brief. The identification of proper welding parameters such as Friction Load, Friction Time and Forge Load is an important task. The problem of obtaining good weldability as well as high weld strength is tackled and dealt with hereby. Friction welding could be a discovery in production technology, a leap which will profit a large variety of industries, as well as the aviation, naval industries. It also has use in manufacturing drilling tools.