Dissimilar friction welding of aluminium alloys to other materials

Abstract Friction welding makes it easier to set welding conditions and also confers greater reproducibility than other welding processes. Through being a solid-phase process, friction welding moreover makes it relatively easy to join dissimilar materials. Other advantages of friction welding include good operability, the lack of any need for special skills, and a convenient capability for incorporation in assembly lines without showers of sparks and similar hazards being generated. Friction welding is therefore extensively used in a wide variety of industries, such as automotive engineering, printing, etc. Joining of dissimilar materials as a characteristic friction welding application has been well researched,1 reported,2 and thoroughly explained with reference made to practical examples.3 In the current situation of materials development advancing apace in pursuit of various objectives, available data relating to joining of dissimilar materials remains scant. To meet resource- and energy-saving objectives, machinery and plant, transport machinery, etc. are now required to embody lighter weight in a well-established trend that can only serve to expand the use of light metals. Compared with ferrous metals, however, friction welding of light metals has been little documented.