On the feasibility of a monitoring system for the friction stir welding process: Literature review and experimental study

Friction stir welding presents several advantages when compared to current assembly techniques, in the aerospace industry in particular. However, its development is jeopardized due to costs of non-destructive inspections that are needed in order to ensure quality. A solution may be the implementation of online, sensor-based, process monitoring systems. Such systems fitting industrial requirements do not exist yet. This paper aims to assess the feasibility of a monitoring system for the friction stir welding process. A description of requirements for the implementation of industrial monitoring systems, a literature review of existing initiatives, and tests performed in industrial conditions allow making a status on the possibility to implement one. If results are encouraging, several challenges have to be overcome within next years in order to meet industrial requirements.