International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE)
ISSN: 2278-3075, Volume-9 Issue-4, February 2020
1581
Published By:
Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
& Sciences Publication
Retrieval Number: D1805029420/2020©BEIESP
DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.D1805.029420
An Assessment of Non Consumable Welded Joint-
Friction Stir Spot Welding
C. Labesh Kumar, G. Bharathiraja
Abstract: Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is a pressure
weldingprocess where the workpieces are operated below their
melting points. FSSW is one of the processes derived from
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) Technology. Friction stir welding
was invented by The Welding Institute (TWI) in 1991 and proven
experimentally. FSSW is found to be environment friendly and a
very efficient process. This process is rapidly growing and is
replacing the resistance spot welding. FSSW have various
applications which include industries like automobile, aerospace,
ship building, construction and electrical.FSSW has been
successfullyused to join several materials used in the above
mentioned industries. Inthis review, FSSW studies are briefly
summarised in terms different parameters for joining processes.
Keywords: FSSW, FSW, construction and electrical.
I. INTRODUCTION
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process was invented and
experimentally proven by The Welding Institute (TWI) in
1991 for joining Aluminium alloys [1]. Friction Stir Spot
Welding (FSSW) is a variant of the FSW which is found to
be environmental friendly and an efficient process. It is
majorly used for difficult to weld sheets for lap joints [3]. In
this process two work pieces are joined using a non-
consumable tool which rotates at a certain speed. The
rotating tool is plunged into the workpieces for a
predetermined time which is referred as dwell time. After
dwell time the tool is retracted from the workpieces leave
the Friction stir spot weld. During Friction Stir Spot
Welding (FSSW), the plunge depth and dwell time
determines the heat generation, amount of material
plasticized and mechanical properties of the joint formed
[2].
FSSW PROCESS
The process mainly consists of three segments plunging,
stirring and retracting or drawing out. The tool is driven by a
motor attached to the spindle. The tool is rotated at speed
range of 1000rpm to 2000rpm. The tool is brought in contact
with the workpiece, as the tool is in contact with the tool due
to the friction between the tool and workpiece heat is
generated.
Fig-1: Plunging, Stirring, Drawing out
Due to the heat generated the workpiece material is
plasticized (softened) and load is applied on the tool spindle
which results in the penetration of the work piece by the
tool. This process of penetration of the rotating tool into the
workpiece is called plunging.
The rotating tool then stirs the softened metal till it is in
contact with the workpiece, this called stirring. After a while
the tool is retracted from the workpiece leaving the two
plates (workpiece) welded.
Revised Manuscript Received on February 3, 2020.
C. Labesh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Institute of Aeronautical Engineering, Dundigal Village,
Hyderabad, India.
G. Bharathiraja, Associate professor, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of
Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
This process is becoming so efficient that it is replacing
the resistance spot welding enhancing the strength, efficient
and properties of the joints. The Friction Stir Spot Welding
has a wide range of applications in the automobile,
aerospace, electrical and construction sectors.
1. PROCESS PARAMETERS
There are three main process parameters which are tool
rotational speed, plunge depth and dwell time.
1.1. Tool rotational speed
The tool rotational speed plays vital role in the process.
The profiled tool rotates at a certain speed at around 1000
rpm to 2000 rpm [1].