Friction stir welding of dissimilar alloys - a perspective

Friction stir welding does not involve bulk melting of the components that are joined. This has inspired attempts to exploit it for joining materials which differ in properties, chemical composition or structure, and where fusion can lead to detrimental reactions. The purpose of this special issue of Science and Technology of Welding and Joining was to assess the status of friction stir welding of dissimilar alloys and to identify the opportunities and challenges for the future.