Friction Stir Welding of AlSi10Mg Plates Produced by Selective Laser Melting

A preliminary research work is carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of friction stir welding of AlSi10Mg plates produced by selective laser melting. The metallurgical evolutions occurring have been studied and discussed on the basis of detailed microstructure observations. The FSW process enhances the structure of the parent material so that the weld presents an overall refinement of the microstructure and a decrease in microporosity in all its zones. Using the friction stir welding technology, sound welds harder than the parent material can be obtained.