Effect of Post Weld Heat Treatment on Friction Stir Welding Dissimilar Aluminum Alloy 5052-6061/T6 Joints

- In this research, the focus is on joining dissimilar aluminium alloys 5052 (heat treatable) and 6061/T6 (nonheat treatable) using the friction stir welding (FSW) method with tool rotation speed parameters of 1460 rpm and travel speed of 30 mm/s. The results of the FSW joint were given post-welding heat treatment (PWHT) in the parameters of solution heat treatment, quenching in water, and then artificial ageing. Macro photographic observations showed the width of the TMAZ on both sides of the welding zone is reduced on speciment with post welding treatment compared to as welded speciment. The hardness value of the specimens increased on the 6061/T6 side, while the 5052 side experienced a decrease in hardness value. In tensile testing, the UTS value of all specimens produced relatively similar results in the range of 215 - 218 MPa. In contrast, PWHT specimens experienced a decrease in elongation refered to as welded specimens.