T. Leonhardt, Rhenium Alloys Inc., Elyria, OH; R. Johnson, The Welding Institute Technology Centre (Yorkshire) Limited, Cambridge, England
Historically, tungsten-rhenium wire has been manufactured for the thermocouple industry, but recent demands for high-temperature structural components have promoted the use of tungsten 25% rhenium in larger diameters. It has been found that high strength, increased toughness, and low erosion are critical parameters for the tooling used in friction stir welding. The tungsten 25% rhenium alloy has a melting point of 3050°C, and a recrystallization temperature near 1900°C. The tensile properties at room temperature, 1371°C, and 1926°C, will be examined in different processing conditions. These properties will be compared to the performance of friction stir welding tools.
Summary: Historically, tungsten-rhenium wire has been manufactured for the thermocouple industry, but recent demands for high-temperature structural components have promoted the use of tungsten 25% rhenium in larger diameters. It has been found that high strength, increased toughness, and low erosion are critical parameters for the tooling used in friction stir welding. The tungsten 25% rhenium alloy has a melting point of 3050°C, and a recrystallization temperature near 1900°C. The tensile properties at room temperature, 1371°C, and 1926°C, will be examined in different processing conditions. These properties will be compared to the performance of friction stir welding tools.
