FRICTION STIR WELDING OF SIMILAR AND DISSIMILAR METALS: A REVIEW

This review paper provides an overview of various friction stir welded joint of similar and dissimilar combination of aluminium alloys and other metals. Effect of various process variables like tool geometry, tool material, tool rotation speed, welding speed, vertical pressure on tool shoulder, dwell time, tilt angle, plunge depth etc. on mechanical and microstructure properties of friction stir welded joint has been reviewed. This paper also analysed about various defect found due to process variables and wear analysis of FSW tool. The paper has attempted to present future research needs and development in friction stir welding process and tool. It is observed that friction stir welding of steel and other hard materials are not feasible unless proper tool material and tool design.