Experimental comparison of friction stir welding process and TIG welding process for 6082-T6 Aluminium alloy

In this investigation an attempt has been made to study the experimental comparison of friction stir welding process and TIG welding process for 6082 - T6 aluminium alloy joints. Most commonly used method for welding of aluminium alloy is TIG welding process. TIG welding process produces the sound joints but the newly developed method friction stir welding process gives better joints than TIG welding process. The effect of two welding processes on mechanical and metallurgical properties is studied in this research work. Mechanical properties of the welded joints were evaluated and it was found that friction stir welded joints have superior mechanical properties as compared to TIG welded joints. From the micro structure analysis it was observed that fine and equiaxed grains were observed in the friction stir welded joints and coarse grains were observed in TIG welded joints. SEM analysis also carried out to know the fracture behavior of the tensile tested joints.