Effect of backing plate on mechanical and microstructural properties of tungsten inert gas welded AA 6063 butt joints

In the present scenario, ship building industries are frequently associated with welding process to explore the benefits of improved strength over the parent material. Development of new techniques to enhance the processes is of a part of the usual practice in industries. In the present work, as a supportive measure, backing plate was introduced to develop the weldments with enhanced properties. The central composite design array specimens, a widely used aluminum alloy in marine application AA 6063 were prepared by TIG welding process with the help of backing plates of different materials. Effect of backing plate material on the properties such as ultimate tensile strength and microhardness of the weld joints were investigated. A detailed study of microstructure and macrostructure on the weldment was also done. Results exhibit a considerable improvement for the recommendation of using copper backing plates in the welding processes.