Effect of Tool Materials on Tensile Properties of Friction Stir Welded AZ31B Magnesium Alloy

In this investigation, an attempt was made to study the effect of tool materials on tensile properties of friction stir welded AZ31B magnesium alloy. Tools made of five different materials were used to fabricate the joints. Tensile properties of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the weld zone microstructure and hardness. From this investigation, it is found that the joint fabricated using the tool made of high carbon steel exhibited superior tensile properties compared to their counterparts. The absence of defects in weld region, presence of very fine equiaxed grains in the weld region and higher hardness in the weld region are the main reasons for superior tensile properties of these joints.