Mechanical and microstructural properties of EN AW-6060 aluminum alloy joints produced by friction stir welding

In the study, the mechanical and microstructural properties of friction stir welded EN AW-6060 Aluminum Alloy plates were investigated. The friction stir welding (FSW) was conducted at tool rotational speeds of 900, 1250, and 1500 rpm and at welding speeds of 100, 150 and 180 mm/min. The effect of the tool rotational and welding speeds such properties was studied. The mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated by means of micro-hardness (HV) and tensile tests at room temperature. The tensile properties of the friction stir welded tensile specimens depend significantly on both the tool rotational and welding speeds. The microstructural evolution of the weld zone was analysed by optical observations of the weld zones.