Effects of welding process conditions on friction stir welding of polymer composites: A review
Ramesh Rudrapati
Abstract
Industrial revolution progressing with extensive utilization of the lightweight materials to make parts using thermoplastic, fiber reinforced polymer and other light-weight metals in transportation, building, automobile, aeronautics, space, etc., due to large degree of freedom in manufacturing of complex shapes. Joining of light weight parts are necessary to produce various structures. Joining of these materials with using traditional welding techniques are difficult task. Friction stir welding (FSW) is an evolving fabrication technique which used join light-weight parts. Obtaining desired weld joint quality characteristics are more likely depends on the appropriate control of processing conditions like tool rotation speed, pass number, travel speed, tool geometry, tilt angle, etc. Appropriate selection of welding input parameters in FSW can enhance the properties of light-weight polymer weld joints. Present study has been planned to review the various aspects of FSW of similar and dissimilar polymer sheets. From the study, it is noticed that process parameters selection plays important role to conduct FSW efficiently. The concluding remarks has been drawn from the study.