Optimization of process parameters for friction stir welding of joining A6061 and A6082 alloys by Taguchi method

Abstract

The friction stir welding is a pioneering solid-state metal joining technique for producing high-quality joints in materials. In this article, Taguchi approach is applied to analyze the optimal process parameters for optimum tensile strength and hardness of welded dissimilar A6061 and A6082 alloys. An orthogonal array of L9 is implemented and the analysis of variance is employed to investigate the importance of parameters on responses. The experimental tests, conducted according to combination of rotational speed, tool tilt and types of tool pin profile parameters. The results indicate that the rotational speed is most significant process parameter that has the highest influence on tensile strength and hardness, followed by tool pin profile and tool tilt. The optimum results verified by conducting confirmation experiments. The predicted optimal value of tensile strength and hardness of dissimilar joints produced by friction stir welding are 267.74 MPa and 80.55 HRB, respectively.