Microstructural Study of Friction Stir Welded Dissimilar Materials: 6061 Aluminum Alloy to Pure Copper

Friction welding process was introduced in industries in 1960s and only a few were in operation in Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and China. Today the process is fully exploited by industries all over the world due to its special advantages; efficient energy utilization, consistent weld quality, high production rates, welding of many types of similar and dissimilar metal combination as well as plastics. Friction welding has been used by the automotive industry for decades in the manufacture range of components.The process is attractive for several reasons.