Friction stir welding of similar 5xxx aluminum alloys: A review study

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a fresh joining technique that uses a tool to weld two pieces of metals that have either good or poor weld-ability in traditional fusion welding. This method is environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and produces joints with high mechanical properties. This review article focuses on the FSW of similar aluminum (5xxx) series alloys due to their importance in the industrial and engineering applications that need high corrosion resistance. The review considers all FSW parameters such as (tool rotational speed, traverse speed, tilt angle, plunge depth, and tool’s pin shapes) that influence the performance of the joining process. The parameters influence on FSW has been divided into categories to reduce effort and make the information easier to find. Special attention has been given to the influence of FSW parameters on the microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties resulting from the welding. Defect-free joints rely on the parameters that achieve a proper flow of the material and satisfactory dynamic recrystallization. Other information about defects types, material flow around the pin, and shoulder concavity is also mentioned in this study.