Effect of process parameters on the joint integrity in Friction Stir Welding of Ti-6Al-4V lap joints

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process patented in 1991 by TWI; initially adopted to weld aluminum alloys, is now being successfully used also for magnesium alloys, copper and steels. The wide diffusion the process is having is due to the possibility to weld materials traditionally considered difficult to be welded or "unweldable" by traditional fusion welding processes due to peculiar thermal and chemical material properties. Additionally, the process allows welding a wide range of sheet thickness (up to 50mm) avoiding typical fusion welding processes defects, like cavities and porosities, with no shielding gas, filling material or joint preparation. Recently, research is focusing on titanium alloys thanks to the high interest that such materials are getting from the industry due to the extremely high strength-weight ratio together with good corrosion resistance properties. Welding of titanium alloys by traditional fusion welding techniques presents several difficulties due to high material reactivity resulting in bonding with oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen with consequent embrittlement of the joint. In this way FSW can represent a cost effective and high quality solution. A few studies have been developed on the FSW of titanium alloys butt joints, while there is a complete lack of knowledge as far as different joint morphologies are regarded (lap joints, T joints, etc.). In the paper the results of an experimental campaign on lap joints made out of thin Ti-6Al-4V sheets are presented. The effect of the main process parameters on the mechanical properties has been investigated and related to the microstructural transformations occurring during the process because of the thermo-mechanical action of the tool.