Experimental Application of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) on Thermo Plastic Medium Density Polyethylene Blanks

The feasibility of friction stir welding has been studied on medium density polyethylene blanks. The design and analysis of experiments have been performed with Taguchi method. The mechanical properties of the joints have been analyzed based on two parameters of rotation speed and tool tilt angle. The optimum welding condition has been determined. It has been demonstrated that rotation speed and tool tilt angle have key roles in the seam elongation and strength respectively. By applying this method of welding on polyethylene blanks 70% of the base material strength is achieved. SEM micrographs show microstructural changes of the weld zone which result in the reduction of the seam weld strength and elongation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME