Improvement of Welding Rate in Aluminum Alloy Using Friction Stir Welding with Heating

- A Feasibility Study of Friction Stir Welding with Heating of Aluminum Alloy (Report 2) -

Abstract

The Friction Stir Welding (FSW) with heating of A5052-H34 aluminum alloy, which is a narrow welding condition material in FSW, was conducted to clarify the improvement of welding rate by heating effect. At first, the FSW with heating on temperatures of 150 and 300°C was examined at welding rates of 600 to 900mm/min. And the joint integrity was evaluated by observation of appearances of welded part and its cross section. Good joints in FSW with heating were obtained at welding rate up to 700mm/min for heating of 150°C, and up to 900mm/min for heating of 300°C. In addition, the hardness profile and tensile strength of joints by FSW with heating showed a good level as much as non-heating one with low welding rate. As the result, welding rate in FSW with heating could expand a conventional welding rate. Therefore, the improvement of welding rate in FSW with heating clarified would be feasible.