Role of non-consumable tool design on tensile properties of friction stir welded aluminium alloy joints

Abstract

A solid state welding, like friction stir welding (FSW) is commonly suitable for joining dissimilar aluminium plates. A non-consumable revolving tool was used to induce heat and plastic distortion between abutting surfaces of the plates. This paper, presented the influence of tool revolving speed, axial force and weld transverse speed on tensile and impact strength properties were evaluated for the joint by using destructive test. The FSW has been done at tool revolving speed of 1000, 1100, 1200 rpm, weld speed of 30, 45, 60 mm/min and tool plunge force of 3, 4, 5 kN on dissimilar aluminium alloy AA7075 and AA6063 by two different tool profiles of Triangle and square. Better mixing of both aluminium alloy joints was achieved at lower welding transverse speed of 30 mm/min with high tool revolving speed of 1200 rpm. Also it is found that the use of the triangular profile of the tool gives better mechanical properties. The growth in mechanical properties is attributed to the maturation of fine grain and intermetallic compound in the weld region.