Current state of friction stir spot welding between aluminium and copper

Various evolving applications in power generation and the chemical, petrochemical, nuclear, aerospace, industries and manufacturing led to the development of techniques such as friction stir welding (FSW) and friction stir spot welding (FSSW) for similar and dissimilar materials. Many challenges include different melting temperatures arise during the joining of aluminium and copper. Therefore, obtaining sound aluminium to copper joints is a challenging task for researchers. Friction stir spot welding is a variant of the friction stir welding which is found to be an efficient and environmental friendly process. This paper present the current state on the joining of aluminium to copper using friction stir spot welding (FSSW) technique. A brief summary in terms of materials, microstructure evolution and chemical analysis are presented. Furthermore, mechanical and electrical properties aresummarized. Sound spot welds were successfully obtained by many researchers and the technique is gaining ground and could be used as an alternative to resistance spot welding and riveting. This technique could successfully be used in various industries include, automobile, ship building and aerospace.