Comparative investigation of friction stir welding and fusion welding of 6061-T6 and 5083-O aluminum alloy based on mechanical properties and microstructure

Purpose: In this paper, the mechanical properties of welded joints of 6061 T6 and 5083 O aluminium alloy obtained using friction stir welding (FSW) with four rotation speed (450, 560, 710 and 900 rpm) and conventional fusion welding are studied. Design/methodology/approach: FSW welds were carried out on a milling machine. The performance of FSW and Fusion welded joints were identified using tensile, hardness and microstructure. Findings: Better tensile strength was obtained with FSW welded joints. The width of the heat affected zone of FSW was narrower than Fusion welded joints welded joints Research limitations/implications: Properties FSW and Fusion Welded processes were also compared with each other to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the processes for welding applications of the Al alloy. Originality/value: The results show that FSW improves the mechanical properties of welded joints.