Experimental Investigation of Rotary Friction Welding Process by Using Material SS304/SS316 and their Study with Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Rotary friction welding [RFW] is the progressive welding process, widely used in the
manufacturing industry as appropriate for the joining of symmetrical geometry and shape of parts.
The process offers several advantages like no fumes extraction, no release of harmful gases and no
pollution, no melting at solid welding joints; high accuracy and precision of operation even at high
speed; and less economical nature. Apart from the above advantages, another significant benefit is
accompanied by the weld joint interface region, which produces the partial smelted state of the
welded parts. This phenomenon is predominantly substantial for the welding of two unrelated
material combinations and precisely where the slender heat-affected zone is encouraged. In this
research paper, the study has been conducted using the rotary friction welding process on the
SPARTAN 5 type of friction welding machine. The material selected for the study and
experimentation for RFW process is austenitic stainless steel SS 304 (specimen dia. ?12 mm and
?14 mm) and SS 316 (specimen dia. ? 10 mm and ?14 mm). Several parameters have been studied
for the RFW process like rpm, temperature, and pressure. A study of different mechanical properties
like tensile strength, hardness, and microstructure analysis has also been carried out for the same
welded specimen.