Application of friction stir spot welding on additive manufactured carbon fiber composite

Abstract

Friction stir spot welding as a solid state processing technique is used to join dissimilar and similar metals, composites and polymers. This study illustrates the implementation of friction stir spot welding (FSSW) on additive manufactured nylon-based composites with chopped carbon fibre reinforcements. The purpose of this study is to employ FSSW technique for joining additive manufactured carbon fibre composites. The utilization of pinless tool serves a crucial function in the formation of sound welded joints. The joining process consists of two mechanisms: the piercing and melting of the sheets and the adhesive bonding during the re-solidification. As a result of the FSSW process, the joints indicate a decent mechanical performance with a lap shear failure force (LSFF) of about 250N.