2008 Volume 49 Issue 8 Pages 1911-1914
The influence of three-dimensional friction stir welding tool-control on joints’ mechanical properties was investigated. Although FSW is widely applied to linear joints, it is impossible for five-axes FSW machines to maintain all FSW parameters in optimum conditions during three-dimensional (3D) welding. Such 3D FSW joints should be produced according to an order of priority for FSW parameters. Butt joints with rectangular change in the welding direction on a curved plane (curved L butt joints) were welded using different three tool-control methods, which change various welding parameters. Results show that the A and C axes shortcut method is effective for 3D welding.