Friction Stir Welding of steels:

Abstract

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state joining process that can be applied to a number of materials including aluminium, magnesium, copper and steels. A number of researches have been conducted in Friction Stir Welding of steels and it is the focus of this paper to make a comprehensive review of the work that has been done. Ultra-low carbon steels, low carbon steels, medium carbon steels, high carbon steels and ultrahigh carbon steels have been considered and several aspects of FSW of steels have been outlined. These are tools, mechanical properties and microstructure. It was determined that carbon content, welding speed as well as rotational speed affect both mechanical properties and microstructure of the joint.