Research on the solid-state joining of AlMg3

Abstract

Nowadays, new products are wanted to reach the final consumer as soon as possible, at the lowest possible costs and in the shortest possible time. This time limitation puts its mark on all the stages necessary for product development, implicitly on the stage of their conception. Given the need for products that require assembly, of major importance, in the design phase, becomes the choice of materials and ways of joining them, the parameters of the processes to be used, equipment, tools, devices with which it is made and then joint control. Having this knowledge inventoried, for the types of processes and materials possible to be used, the time in which the choice of the way of joining is made can decrease substantially. In this context, the present paper presents experimental tests on the solid-state joining of 3 mm sheets of AlMg3 alloy, a very well weldable material with WIG process, corrosion-resistant especially in the marine environment, very good formability at low temperatures. The solid-state joining procedure of the test specimens will be presented with the help of a modified milling cutter, and the conclusions of this type of joint highlighting also the destructive examination part of the tested specimens constitute a set of knowledge that can be inventoried, stored, and used, when necessary, in the products development process. The paper thus demonstrates the potential ease of applying and reproducing Friction Stir Welding (FSW) with simple machinery (CNC milling cutter), while contributing to an understanding of the mechanical behaviour (initialization of failure) of joints. This, the behaviour and the defects are very friendly explained in the macroscopic images from the paper.