The effect of tool rotational and traverse speed on friction stir weldability of AISI 430 ferritic stainless steels

In this study, the effects of tool rotational speed and traverse speed on welding of AISI 430 (X6Cr17, material number 1.4016) ferritic stainless steels by friction stir welding method are examined. Two specimens with dimension of 3 × 100 × 200 mm were joined in butt position. Tool rotational speeds were determined to be 560–1400 min−1 and traverse speeds as 80–200 mm/min. During the studies, tool pressure force 3.5 kN and tool angle of 0° was kept constant. Hard metal carbide (WC-Co hard metal identified as K10) with equilateral triangle tip profile was used as the tool material. Determination of the tool advance speeds related to the tool rotation speeds giving the best-looking weld seals with acceptable values of mechanical properties was aimed.