S. Lathabai, M. Painter, D. Cantin, V. Tyagi, CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology, Woodville, Australia

Summary: The substitution of lightweight alloys for mild steel in automotive bodies can reduce vehicle weight, which can have a positive effect on fuel consumption and emissions. In this paper we present some results from an ongoing study of joining technologies for lightweight alloys,specifically, friction stir spot welding. The relationship between joining process parameters and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the resultant joints will be examined.