Experiments on the advantages and limits of using conventional friction welding for joining dissimilar and graded materials

Investigations concerning opportunities to apply the friction welding technique for joining dissimilar and graded materials are considered, starting from the advantages offered by this process in assembling parts for manufacturing equipments parts and automotive industry components. Experiments have been carried out on friction welding of heat treated 42CrMo4 with C45 steel and with the solution treated X6CrNiTi18-10 steel, as well as on joining copper with Al alloys. Metallographic observations and hardness measurements are performed in order to detail the peculiarities of the process of making joints that are difficult to obtain by conventional electric arc welding.