Friction Stir Welding of AA6082 Aluminium alloy A state-of-the-art Review

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a relatively new solid state welding process invented by The Welding Institute (TWI), Cambridge, UK in 1991 and has emerged as a new process for welding of aluminium alloys. This process has brought a new revolution in welding of aluminium alloys that were previously not recommended (2000 series & copper containing 7000 series aluminium alloys). Since no melting and re-solidification process occurs in materials subjected to FSW, the resultant weld metal is free of porosity with lower distortion. Welding input parameters play a very significant role in determining the quality of a weld joint. The joint quality can be defined in terms of properties such as mechanical properties and distortion. Generally, all welding processes are used with the aim of obtaining a welded joint with excellent mechanical properties and with minimum distortion. The main objective of the paper is to critically review various papers related to Friction stir welding of AA6082 aluminium alloy. This paper critically examines 8 different papers related to friction stir welding process of AA6082 and reveals the effect of various welding process parameters like tool rotation, transverse speed, tool tilt angle, plunge depth and tool geometry design, on the mechanical and microstructural properties the welded aluminium alloy or various dissimilar alloys. The review helps in selection of most significant process parameters, optimization of process parameters.