The Effect of Tool Geometry on the Mechanical Properties in a Friction Stir Welded Lap Joint between an Al Alloy and Zn-coated Steel

The specific motivation for joining an Al alloy and Zn-coated steel arises from the need to save fuel consumption by weight reduction and to enhance the durability of vehicle structures in the automobile industry. In this study, the lap joining A6K31 Al alloy (top) and SGARC340 Zn-coated steel (bottom) sheets with a thickness of 1.0 mm and 0.8 mm, respectively, was carried out using the friction stir weld (FSW) technique. The probe of a tool did not contact the surface of the lower Zn-coated steel sheet. The friction stir welding was carried out at rotation speeds of 1500 rpm and travel speeds of 80 similar to 200 mm/min. The effects of tool geometry and welding speed on the mechanical properties and the structure of a joint were investigated. The tensile properties for the joints welded with a larger tool were better than those for the joints done with a smaller tool. A good correlation between the tensile load and area of the welded region were observed. The bond strength using a larger tool (M4 and M3) decreased with an increase in welding speed. Most fractures occurred along the interface between the Zn-coated steel and the Al alloy. However, in certain conditions with a lower welding speed, fractures occurred at the A6K31 Al alloy.