Improving friction stir weldments joint efficiency of Aluminium AA6351 alloy by using coating technique

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is newly developed novel solid-state welding process that fulfils many useful requirements. Solid state nature of this process succeeded many welding defects which including melt related defects and produces a good quality welded joint compare to the traditional fusion type of welding processes. The Aluminium AA6351 alloy with AA6351 combination joint is widely used in shipbuilding, aerospace and automotive industries. The current work is to increase the strength of the welded joint in Aluminium AA6351 alloy with AA6351 alloy by the addition copper and zinc materials in coating form. Copper, zinc copper-zinc (brass) materials coatings were formed to these plates and FSW has been done in butt joint position. The 3 process parameters viz i) feed and ii) the rotational speed of the tool and iii) coated AA6351 plate were identified and considered for experiments. Taguchi technique was used in identifiying the optimium process parameters to maximise the tensile strength and the results are presented here.