In this paper, the weldability of AA 5083-H111 (non-heat treatable) and AA 6082-T6 (heat treatable) aluminium alloys, which are widely used in welding fabrication, is compared by analysing the welds obtained from both materials under a large range of welding conditions (varying tool dimensions, rotation and traverse speeds, axial loads and tilt angles) chosen to ensure high welding speeds. The differences in friction stir weldability, assessed by weld defect analysis and weld strength characterisation, will be related to the markedly different plastic behaviours of both base materials. Based on the experimental results, a methodology for determining suitable friction stir welding parameters is proposed.
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