ISIM Contributions to the Development of Friction Welding Procedures

Abstract

During the last 15 years, the friction stir welding process (FSW) and the techniques developed based on the FSW principle have been a main research direction within ISIM Timisoara. The paper summarizes activities and results obtained by the FSW research team within the institute. The paper presents a synthesis that aims a briefly presentation of its own achievements and contributions from recent years regarding the development of the FSW process, especially on the following directions:- Friction stir welding on couples of similar and dissimilar materials;- Use of FSW-TIG (friction stir welding – tungsten inert gas assisted) and FSW-US hybrid processes friction stir welding - ultrasonic assisted);- Friction stir welding in protective gas environment;- Friction stir welding equipment and tools;- Systems for monitoring of the welding process. Results obtained at friction stir butt welding or by overlapping of some couples of materials that are difficult or impossible to be joined using conventional welding procedures, were presented. The results obtained during these years, as well as their scientific and technical level, have allowed the proposal for implementation of solutions that involve FSW welding for specific industrial applications (especially for the automotive field).