Mechanical and Metallurgical Properties of GTAW, GMAW and FSW Lap Joints on AA6061-T6 Alloy

Friction stir welding (FSW) is an upgraded version of the friction welding process. It was invented in 1991 at The Welding Institute (TWI). It is considered the latest in development and also the most important one in the metal joining process during the past two decades. The present investigation has the objective of comparing the mechanical and metallurgical properties of welding processes such as GTAW, GMAW, and FSW lap joints on the welded AA6061-T6 alloy. Rolled AA6061-T6 plates of 3 mm thickness were used as the base material for preparing lap welded joints. All the welding processes were carried out using optimum parameter conditions. The failure load, tensile shear strength, and the micro-hardness of the welded joints were analysed using a universal tensile test machine and the Vickers's hardness testing machine. The microstructures of the welded joints were analysed using an Optical Microscope (OM) and a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Finally, a comparative analysis was done between the results of the general aspects like power and heat input, mechanical and metallurgical properties of TIG, MIG, and FSW lap joint specimens.

Automated summary

This study compares the mechanical and metallurgical properties of friction stir welding with traditional welding processes, analyzing the failure load, tensile shear strength, and microstructures of the welded joints. By conducting various tests on the welded joints, the advantages and disadvantages of different processes can be evaluated.