Friction Stir Welding of 3D Industrial Parts: Joint Strength Analysis

Abstract

In the recent years Friction Stir Welding (FSW) has become an important joining technique since it allows to weld light weight alloys rather difficult to be welded or even “un-weldable” with the classic fusion welding operations. In the paper the authors present the application of the FSW process to the joining of 3D complex shapes typical of the industrial environment. In particular the research was aimed to highlight the joint mechanical strength at the varying of the 3D geometry of the welding line.