Optimization of Process Parameters for Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloy by Taguchi Method

Abstract

Friction stir welding, a solid state joining technique, is widely being used for joining Aluminium alloys for aerospace, marine, automotive and many other applications of commercial importance. FSW trials were carried out using a vertical milling machine on AA1050-A alloy. The tool geometry was carefully chosen and fabricated to have a nearly flat welded interface. Important process parameters that control the quality of the weld are (a) rotation speed (rpm) (b) traverse speed (mm/min) (c) tool tilt angle (degree) (d) tool tip design. We did analysis by putting various values of these different are meters and conclude the best result to optimize the process parameters by using Taguchi method. It is observed that, the rotational speed has 62.57% contribution, welding speed has 6.06% contribution, tilt angle has 20.88% contribution and tool tip design has 10.59% contribution to Tensile strength of welded joints.