Friction stir welding (FSW) is now a well-established technique for joining similar and dissimilar aluminium alloys where properties of a structure can be tailored for enhanced performance. The majority of current industrial applications involve joining components in the thickness range of 2-8mm. Companies are gaining many benefits from using this technique; however the technical and commercial benefits of joining thicker section aluminium alloys are less well established.
Sponsors will benefit from an early assessment of new and novel FSW techniques for joining thick section aluminium alloys. These techniques have the potential to:
The results of this project will provide data to assist sponsors in the calculation of return on investment on bespoke FSW equipment to weld thick section aluminium alloys.