Friction Stir Welding (FSW) can weld dissimilar metal joints without a thick and brittle intermetallic compound (IMC) layer at the weld interface. In this study, the dissimilar lap joint of A3003 aluminum alloy and SUS304 stainless steel was successfully welded by FSW and the joint obtained were tested to examine basic mechanical properties such as macro and micro structure observation, tensile strength and hardness distribution. The joint strength on three directions was researched and the lateral shear strength was different by loading directions, showing that the anisotropy of mechanical properties was found out. This anisotropy was discussed based on the strength properties of advancing side (AS) or retreating side (RS) in the weld and the observation of a crack tip and deformation on the specimens.

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