Surface Friction Welding of Thin Metal Sheets

Abstract:

A novel process for butt welding of thin metal sheets was developed and named as surface friction welding (SFW), which utilizes friction heat and severe plastic deformation like friction stir welding (FSW). The joining mechanism of the SFW is based on not stirring by the pin tool but surface friction between tool shoulder and joining metals. The developed method was successfully applied to butt welding of various metal sheets thinner than 1.5 mm thick. This paper deals with the principle of SFW, the difference between FSW and SFW, the effect of welding parameters, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of welded sheets.