Experimental studies on formability of Butt-welded magnesium and aluminium alloy sheets by friction stir welding method

Abstract

Magnesium and its alloys are wont to replace steel/aluminum for automotive, structural and sheet applications. Mg sheet might be utilized in car body for non-structural and semi-structural applications, while extrusions might be utilized in such structural applications as space frames. However, the event of latest manufacturing techniques play a crucial role in exploiting new magnesium alloys in new fields of applications. Recently, the interest on welding of magnesium alloys has been increasing rapidly, mainly that specialize in friction-stir welding. Magnesium and its alloys are the lightest among the metallic materials which are in common use, having a high strength to weight ratio alongside a superb machinability and a high damping capacity [1]. Due to these characteristics, nowadays they're applied to varied structural parts like aircraft, automobiles, optical and electronic instruments, industrial robot components. In this research, AZ61 magnesium alloy sheets were welded by friction stir welding. The effect of welding processes on mechanical properties of AZ 61 welded joints was analyzed using testing machines and mechanical properties were noted [2]. AZ 61 magnesium alloy sheets were welded as similar and dissimilar materials of various speed ratios. The welded materials pairs are Mg-Mg (with different speeds), Mg-Al (with different speeds) joined by butt welding [3].