Laser-assisted friction stir welding

Laser-assisted friction stir welding (LAFSW) is a new modification of friction stir welding (FSW), a process developed during the last decade. In FSW, welding heat is produced by friction between the tool and the workpiece. Relatively large forces are needed for this process and, hence, the equipment used in FSW is massive and expensive. LAFSW uses laser energy to heat the workpiece while the main function of the probe is to stir and join the two parts. As a result, LAFS welding can be done with relatively simple and inexpensive systems. This paper describes initial results of the use of LAFS welding to join AZ91D Mg alloy plates and other possible advantages of this method.