Development of double-sided friction stir welding of advanced high strength steel sheets

Abstract Double-sided friction stir welding (FSW), performed with a pair of rotation tools, was studied in an attempt to increase the joining speed when applied automotive advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). The experiments were on butt joint 1.6-mm-thick 1180 MPa grade steel sheets, and sound welds obtained travel no more than 4 m/min, fairly comparable laser beam (LBW), one conventional processes. It clarified by experimental numerical analyses that enhancement due unique material flow interactively developed tools. FSW at 3 m/min dissimilar sheets combination 1.5 GPa 590 grades. mechanical properties welded joints evaluated tensile, V-bending Erichsen tests comparing LBW, which verified double-sided exhibited sufficient for press-forming produce parts. A prototype part successfully fabricated using tailor-welded blank FSW, demonstrates its applicability production.