Development of Friction Stir Welding Technique and Machine for Aluminum Sheet Metal Assembly - Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum for Automotive Applications (2)

摘要

Friction stir welding has been successfully applied to stitch weld aluminum sheet metal for automotive closure panel assemblies. The weldment was applied to a lap joint on A6000 series aluminum sheet. The effects of weld parameters, such as tool rotating speed and hold time, on mechanical and metallurgical properties of the joint were studied and then optimized. Resultant stitch weld shows higher lap shear and cross tension strength than those of friction stir spot welding and resistance spot welding. Furthermore, a C-frame gun for stitch welding was developed to demonstrate the capabilities for this technology for automotive closure panel applications. Stitch welding showed increased joint strength compared to spot welding.