Current research and development in bobbin tool Friction Stir Welding (FSW) for aluminum alloy panel extrusion

Aluminum is a metal with numerous applications across various industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, high-speed rail, and aviation. One common aluminum alloy used is AA6XXX, which consists of magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) elements. This aluminum alloy is sensitive to high temperatures, which can lead to a decrease in strength within the temperature range of approximately 200-250°C. However, the strength of this alloy can increase in conditions below zero degrees Celsius. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding technique that is commonly employed in shipbuilding, railway, and aerospace industries. However, FSW has limitations when used to join materials with hollow panel structures. One drawback of this method is that when conventional tools are used in the welding process, they require a backing surface (support) to maintain pressure on the tool during welding. To address this issue, an investigation is required with the aim of discovering an optimal alternative welding method that can achieve satisfactory welding results for aluminum extrusion panels with hollow structures.