Optimization of friction stir welding parameters using multiple response surface methodology

Abstract

Improving quality in today’s complicated industrial systems is gaining more and more importance every day. Since applying these systems costs a lot, companies should try to offer the best outcomes and processes possible. One of the products most applied is Tailor Welding Blanks, which is widely used in automobile, aerospace, and other industries. One of the best methods of producing Tailor Welding Blanks is Friction Stir Welding. Using this technology, sheets dissimilar in material and thickness can be joined. In this paper, the possibility of welding thin sheets of 5083-H12 and 6061-T6 aluminum alloy by Friction Stir Welding with the thickness of 1.5 mm is examined. To detect the impact of Friction Stir Welding parameters, i.e. rotational speed (r/min), linear speed (mm/ min), shoulder diameter (mm), and tilt angle (°), a Box-Behnken design was used and using multiple Response Surface Methodology values of robust optimization of tensile strength and elongation were derived. The optimization and experiment results were then compared. The results of the comparison showed a good correspondence.