Microstructural and mechanical properties of double-sided MIG, TIG and friction stir welded 5083-H321 aluminium alloy

In this study, strain-hardened EN AW-5083-H321 aluminium alloy plates were welded using MIC, TIC and friction stir welding (FSW) processes in order to investigate microstructural and mechanical properties, respectively. As a microstructural investigation, light microscopy and image analysis system were used for double-sided MIG, TIC and FSW specimens weld zones. Measurements of hardness were carried out using the microhardness tester with 200 g test load on metallografic specimens taken from each welded plate. Tensile and bend tests were applied to specimens taken from welded plate with reference to EN 895 and EN 910 standards. Fracture surfaces were also examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. As a result, it has been observed that FS welded joints have relatively superior properties as/than MIC and TIC welded joints.