An overview on friction stir spot welding of dissimilar materials

Abstract

Understanding the fundamental process mechanisms of any manufacturing process is vital for its long-term development. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process was invented and experimentally proven by The Welding Institute (TWI) in 1991 for joining Aluminium alloys. Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) is a variant of the FSW which is found to be environmental friendly and an efficient process. FSSW technique has been gaining ground when compared to resistance spot welding (RSW) and could be used in various industries including, automobiles, ship building, aerospace, electrical and construction. FSSW has been successfully used to join several materials used in the above mentioned industries. In this review, FSSW studies are briefly summarised in terms of the evolving microstructure and mechanical properties between aluminium alloys and other materials such as copper, steel and magnesium.