Three-dimensional friction stir welding using a high payload industrial robot

The present study investigates the friction stir welding (FSW) process of extremely curved surfaces using a high payload industrial robot. The welding process of aluminum alloys in a butt joint configuration has been investigated over convex surface radii ranging from 104.5 to 14.5 mm. The weld qualities of the produced joints have been assessed by macrographs and tensile tests. It was shown that the FSW process needs an optimization of the welding path as well as an optional adaptation of the process parameters in the curved region in order to produce sound and reproducible joints without inner or outer defects. The results contribute to further fields of application where non-linear welds have to be produced.