Wear characteristics of a W6Mo5Cr4V2 high speed steel in friction stir welding of AA6061/SiC/55p composite

摘要

Tool wear is a key issue for the friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminum matrix composites (AMCs), especially when the volume fraction of reinforcing particulates is relatively high. In this study, a tapered smooth tool of W6Mo5Cr4V2 high speed steel is used to weld a cast AMC composed of AA6061 matrix and 55 vol.% SiC particulates so as to examine the wear characteristics of the tool. Experimental results indicate that the tool wear is appreciable although the shoulder height and pin length are changed slightly. The radial wear of the pin is also different at different locations of the pin.