Some studies on mechanical properties of friction stir butt welded Al-6082-T6 plates

The conventional fusion welding of cast aluminium alloys is generally difficult due to some common defects such as porosity, oxide inclusion, and hot cracking, which in turn reduce the weld strength. In recent years, friction stir welding (FSW) was found to be very effective for the welding of various wrought aluminum alloys. This paper investigates a metal joining process called Friction Stir Welding (FSW), an innovative welding technique invented by TWI Ltd. in Great Britain in 1991. The purpose of the paper is to study the effects of process parameters in the butt welding of Al-6082-T6 plates with a thickness of 3 mm. Joints were made using different combinations of tool rotation speed, welding speed, and axial force, each at different levels. The quality of weld zone was analyzed using macrostructure. The study aims in identifying the process parameters of welding the Al6082 alloy and the effect of welding speed on the weld performance of the joint was investigated by conducting tensile and hardness tests.