Role of Induction Preheating on Tool Wear and Properties of Friction Stir Welded 409M Stainless Steel Joints

Abstract

An attempt is made to reduce the process forces and tool wear during friction stir welding of 409M ferritic stainless steel and to enhance the mechanical properties by induction preheating of base metal with different preheating temperatures at the leading of tool. It is observed that the preheating significantly decreased the longitudinal and axial forces. Tool degradation analysis was carried out to find out the loss of tool profile and material. Mechanical properties especially impact toughness values were increased due to significant reduction in the tool wear.