Some aspects of cross butt Friction Stir weldments of rare earth magnesium alloys: Novel attempts in Friction Stir Welding

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) experiments were conducted on rare earth containing magnesium alloy (AE42) of less width, by joining the plates perpendicular to the weld line of the joint (Cross Butt Welding). The innovative idea behind the study was to investigate the chances of applying the FSW technique at totally new direction to the plates having less width, equal to or less than (D>t) the shoulder diameter of the tool. The influence of the tool movement on weld properties during welding is investigated. Experimental results obtained from the mechanical and metallurgical characterization of the cross butt weldments show superior properties as compared to conventional FSW joint for less width AE42 alloy plates. This may be due to better material flow between the plates to be joined. Attempts made to reduce the effect of the parking and piloting hole in plates with backing plates or back to initial position have considerably improved the mechanical properties. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.