Orientation of process parameter values of TIG assisted FSW of copper to obtain improved mechanical properties

Abstract

Welding copper and its alloys is usually difficult to achieve by conventional fusion welding processes because of high thermal diffusivity of copper, which is at least 10 times higher than most steel alloys. In order to reduce the increased temperature loss, it would be advantageous to use a process that is carried out at lower temperatures. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state joining process that relies on frictional heating and plastic deformation and was explored as a feasible welding process. In order to achieve an increased productivity this process is assisted by another one, TIG (tungsten inert gas), which generates and adds heat to the process. The aim of this paper is to determine the progress direction of the process parameter values in order to maintain the productivity of the hybrid process and also to increase the values of the mechanical properties. Are analysed the evolution of the temperature, of the plunging force, of the microhardness and of the tensile strength in order to evaluate the changes generated by the application of the hybrid process. Then changes to the process parameter values of the hybrid process based on the evaluation of the previously mentioned properties are suggested in order to improve its mechanical properties.