Investigating the Effect of Various Forge Forces on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminium 6082 T6 Joined by Friction Stir Welding Process

An optimal axial force is critical for achieving favourable weld joints during FSW. This study investigates the effect of various axial forces with increments of 1000 N on the weld quality of aluminium 6082 plates. Two aluminium 6082 T6 plates were joined using the same parameters, except for the downward forging force of 1, 2, and 3 kN. A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the microstructural recrystallization on the welded zone. Tensile and hardness tests were conducted according to E8/E8m-13a and ASTM E384. Tensile tests show that the tensile properties increase significantly from 1 kN to 2 kN and slightly at 3 kN forge force. As the downward forge force increases, the average material hardness increases on a weld zone.