Friction stir lap welding of aluminium alloys

The friction stir welding of lap sheets can be performed considering different variables in terms of process parameters, tool configuration, welding typology and so on. The proposed investigation deals with the friction stir welding of blanks, with the same thickness, performed under lap configuration with the sheets welded, in one-side and in both sides as well, with different tool geometries and tool rotation-wise. The double side lap welding allows to extend the weld through the whole thickness leading to better mechanical welding properties at the blank to blank interface. The weld morphology has been investigated through microstructure observations performed on the transverse area, with respect to the welding velocity, of each joint. The tensile shear strength of the joint in one-side lap weld is generally lower than that detected in two-sides lap weld.