Replacement of Gas Metal Arc Welding by Friction Welding for Joining Tubes in the Hydraulic Cylinders Industry

Abstract

Friction welding is a solid state technology which has been used worldwide. Potential advantages may be recognized as reducing welding project costs, weld weight, environmental impact and to promote enhanced mechanical properties. However, traditional welding methods are still a common practice in many engineering areas. In this sense, this work aims to present the technical advantages for replacing gas metal arc welding (GMAW) by friction welding for joining hydraulic cylinder tubes. The feasibility of friction welding was demonstrated by microstructural analysis, mechanical properties and hydrostatic pressure testing. The results showed enhanced mechanical properties for the friction welded tubes. In addition, macro and microstructural features presented distinguishable process characteristics which reflect in different microhardness values. The friction weld exhibited a better behavior in bending as well as hydrostatic tests.

Friction Hydro-Pillar Processing and Tungsten Inert Gas Welding of a Duplex Stainless Steel

“…Hence, the TIG welding promoted a more heterogeneous microhardness profile which can be associated with a more nonhomogeneous weld microstructure. These results corroborate with similar comparison works [37,38].…”