An overview on friction stir welding/processing tools

Friction stir welding is a simple, efficient and eco-friendly manufacturing technique. Friction stir processing is a modified and composite fabrication version of the FSW. In these processes, a rotating tool comprising of a pin and a shoulder mixes the materials around it. The shoulder part of the tool generates the major fraction of the frictional heat which softens the workpiece material. The pin stirs the semi-solid material to achieve the joining/ composite. Therefore, the tool is the major part of the FSW/P as the tool significantly controls the heat generation and material movement which is essential for defect free product. However, the major challenges of the tool include tool wear (particularly for high strength metals and alloys) and complex method of tool fabrications. In this article, the FSP tools and their geometry, materials along with the wear behavior have been thoroughly reviewed. In addition to the recent developments in tool design and the scope of future research are also discussed. Copyright (C) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence & Energy Systems.