J. Bernath, EWI, Columbus, OH; B. Thompson, T. Stotler, Edison Welding Institute, Columbus, OH
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state joining process originally developed and applied on soft metals such as aluminum. As the technology has matured, much of the recent research has shifted to FSW of hard metals. Novel advancements have been achieved in FSW of hard metals including steels, titanium, and nickel based alloys. Developments have been made to improve process robustness, tool life, and microstructure. Improvements to tool materials have allowed welding of increased thicknesses of hard metals using conventional and bobbin methods. New tool geometries have been designed through finite element analysis of the FSW process. Developments in process control mechanisms have provided improved methods for microstructural control of the stir zone. These recent advancements have provided an overall improvement to the capabilities and process robustness of FSW of hard metals.
Summary: Edison Welding Institute has made recent advancements in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of hard metals including steels, titanium, and nickel based alloys. Developments have been made to improve process robustness, tool life, and microstructure.
