Influences of Tool pin Profile and Tool Shoulder Curvature on the Formation of Friction Stir Welding Zone in AA6061 Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) process is an emerging solid state joining process in which the material that is being welded does not melt and recast. This process uses a non-consumable tool to generate frictional heat in the abutting surfaces. The welding parameters such as tool rotational speed, welding speed, axial force, etc., and tool pin profile play a major role in deciding the weld quality. Friction stir tool plays a major role in friction stir welding process. In this investigation, it is tried to evaluate the effect of tool pin thread and tool shoulder curvature on FSW zone formation in AA6061 aluminium alloy. In this regard, six different tool pin geometries (threadless triangular pin with/without conical shoulder, threaded triangular pin with conical shoulder, threadless square pin with/without conical shoulder, threaded square pin with conical shoulder) are used to fabricate the joints. The formation of FSP zones are analyzed macroscopically. Tensile properties of the joints are evaluated and correlated with the FSP zone formation. Consequently, it is obtained that welding creates a higher quality compared to other tool pin profiles using the square tool with curved shoulder and having threaded pin.