The welding of aluminum alloyed sheet material using friction stir welding method by non-linear tool path and the investigaton of mechanical properties of welding area

Friction stir welding is a solid state welding method which has been found and improved in recent years. The weldability of aluminum alloys at different properties, which has problems with classical melt welding, and specially used in aerospace, space and defence industry, has been simplified with this welding method.In this study, aluminum sheets were welded by friction stir welding method by linear and non-linear tool paths using different operation parameters. The aim of choosing non-linear tool path is to increase strength properties of welding area by enhancing weld length. Also it is the first time of trying and applying of this technique and it is always wondered how findings add value to technology. The revolution number of stirrer and welding rate of need are taken as parameters during welding operations. The geometry of stir is also taken as constant. The quality of welding is examined microhardness measurement, performing of tensile test and investigation of structure of material. Depending on tool path, welding rate of feed and revolution number of stir; the variations of welding region and the effects of these variations on welding performance are investigated. It is observed from the experiments and welding, the strength of welding shows differences according to welding parameter and the usage of nonlinear tool path increases the strength value of welding.