Utilisation of engineering workshop equipment for friction stir welding

Presented is a description of a methodology for determining if a conventional milling machine is capable of being used to undertake friction stir welding. The methodology is tested by producing same thickness welds of 6.3 mm and 4.6 mm 6082-T6 aluminium sheets. The results from micro-hardness profiles across the tool shoulder diameter are presented in conjunction with tensile test results.