U.S. patent application number 12/818739 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for friction stir welding tool and process for welding dissimilar materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. Invention is credited to Glenn J. Grant, Yuri Hovanski, Saumyadeep Jana, Karl F. Mattlin.
Application Number | 20110309131 12/818739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45327768 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110309131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hovanski; Yuri ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
FRICTION STIR WELDING TOOL AND PROCESS FOR WELDING DISSIMILAR
MATERIALS
Abstract
A friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding
dissimilar materials are detailed. The invention includes a cutter
scribe that penetrates and extrudes a first material of a lap weld
stack to a preselected depth and further cuts a second material to
provide a beneficial geometry defined by a plurality of
mechanically interlocking features. The tool backfills the
interlocking features generating a lap weld across the length of
the interface between the dissimilar materials that enhances the
shear strength of the lap weld.
Inventors: |
Hovanski; Yuri; (West
Richland, WA) ; Grant; Glenn J.; (Benton City,
WA) ; Jana; Saumyadeep; (Richland, WA) ;
Mattlin; Karl F.; (Richland, WA) |
Assignee: |
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
Richland
WA
|
Family ID: |
45327768 |
Appl. No.: |
12/818739 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
228/124.1 ;
228/170; 228/2.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23K 20/1255
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
228/124.1 ;
228/2.1; 228/170 |
International
Class: |
B23K 31/02 20060101
B23K031/02; B23K 37/00 20060101 B23K037/00; B23K 20/12 20060101
B23K020/12 |
Goverment Interests
[0001] This invention was made with Government support under
Contract DE-AC0676RLO-1830 awarded by the U.S. Department of
Energy. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A friction stir welding tool, characterized by: a scribe cutter
that extends from a radially offset position on a terminal end
surface of a pin, the pin is operatively positioned between a shank
and the scribe cutter having a preselected height that prevents
contact by a piece of material to the shoulder of the shank when
the scribe cutter cuts the material.
2. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter comprises tungsten carbide.
3. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter includes a member selected from the group consisting of:
nickel, titanium, tungsten, steel, carbide steel, polycrystalline
cubic boron nitride, silicon nitride, rhenium, boron, and
combinations thereof.
4. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter extends a distance from the surface of the pin selected in
the range from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.
5. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter includes a radial offset distance measured from the center
of the surface that is at least about one quarter of the diameter
of the base of the pin.
6. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter includes a rotational velocity of between about 100 rpm and
1000 rpm.
7. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter is coupled to the pin that includes a taper angle greater
than or equal to about 90 degrees.
8. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter provides a plunge depth in the second material that is less
than or equal to the length of the scribe cutter.
9. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter generates a weld interface with a width that is at least
about two times the radial offset distance of the scribe
cutter.
10. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter provides the first material extruded by same such that it
backfills the mechanical interlocking features in the second
material along the length of the weld interface forming the lap
weld joint.
11. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter extrudes the first material at below the melting temperature
thereof such that the first material maintains a local shear stress
characteristic of the solid state that allows it to fill the
mechanical interlocking features in the second material forming the
lap weld joint.
12. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter extrudes the first material such that the extruded first
material fills the mechanical interlocking features at a
substantially uniform hydrostatic pressure.
13. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter is angled at between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the
vertical direction.
14. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the scribe
cutter maintains an operating temperature for the second material
that is below the melting temperature of the first material.
15. The friction stir welding tool of claim 1, wherein the cutting
scribe yields a lap weld with increased shear strength and lower
statistical deviation compared to a lap weld generated absent the
cutting scribe.
16. A method for forming a lap weld between two dissimilar
materials, the method comprising the steps of: stacking a first
material that is dissimilar from a second material atop the other
in a lap weld stack with an overlap therebetween sufficient to form
a weld interface of a preselected width along the length between
the materials being joined; penetrating through the first material
of the lap weld stack with a scribe cutter that extends from a
radially offset position on a terminal end surface of said pin,
extruding same to a preselected depth and cutting a surface of the
second material to form a plurality of mechanically interlocking
features therein; and backfilling the mechanically interlocking
features along the length of the interface with extruded first
material to form a lap weld between the two dissimilar materials
with an enhanced shear strength.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the stacking step includes a
first material that is a metal selected from aluminum, magnesium,
titanium, or alloys thereof.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second material is steel or
a steel alloy.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first dissimilar material
is a metal selected from: aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or an
alloy thereof; and the second dissimilar material is steel or a
steel alloy.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first dissimilar material
is a ceramic and the second dissimilar material is steel or a steel
alloy.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein the first dissimilar material
and second dissimilar material have a melting temperature that is
different from the other by at least about 20%.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein the first dissimilar material
and second dissimilar material have a density that is different
from the other by at least about 10%.
23. The method of claim 16, wherein the penetrating step introduces
cuts in the second material that are cross-sectional cuts.
24. The method of claim 16, wherein the penetrating step includes
extruding the first material at a temperature below its melting
temperature.
25. The method of claim 16, wherein the lap weld has a shear
strength that is at least about 80% of the strength of the lower
melting material therein.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to friction stir
welding tools and processes. More particularly, the invention is a
friction stir welding tool and process for lap welding dissimilar
materials together.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Friction stir welding (FSW) is a process for joining metals
without fusion or filler materials. FSW is used routinely for
joining components made of aluminum and its various alloys. Indeed,
it has been convincingly demonstrated that the process results in
strong and ductile joints, sometimes in systems which have proved
difficult using conventional welding techniques. The process is
most suitable for components which are flat and long (plates and
sheets) but can be adapted for pipes, hollow sections and
positional welding. The welds are created by the combined action of
frictional heating and mechanical deformation due to a rotating
tool. However, joining dissimilar materials with significantly
different properties (e.g., melting temperatures and densities) is
problematic for most welding methods, because the lower temperature
melting material can liquefy and be removed from the desired
bonding area before the higher melting temperature material melts
and before the weld can form. In general, conventional FSW between
dissimilar materials yields unstable lap weld joints due to the
vastly different melt temperatures and flow stress properties of
the materials. Wide statistical deviation in the resulting lap
welds is a common result.
[0004] The present invention disclosed herein provides for lap
welding between dissimilar materials. Additional advantages and
novel features of the present invention will be set forth as
follows and will be readily apparent from the descriptions and
demonstrations set forth herein. Accordingly, the following
descriptions of the present invention should be seen as
illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention is a friction stir welding tool and process
for lap welding dissimilar materials together. The tool includes a
scribe cutter that is integrated with, and radially positioned off
center from, a pin component of the tool. The scribe cutter extends
a preselected distance from the surface of the pin component. The
scribe cutter is configured to plunge through a first material
positioned atop a second material in a lap weld configuration to a
preselected depth that cuts a preselected portion of the second
material, which provides a geometry that includes a plurality of
mechanically interlocking features in the surface of the second
material component. The first material extruded by the tool
backfills the mechanically interlocking features that generates a
lap weld across the length of the interface between the first and
second materials with enhanced shear strength. Shear strengths of
the lap weld joints can be in excess of 90% of the strength of the
weaker material in the lab weld stack. In one embodiment, the
scribe cutter includes tungsten carbide. In various embodiments,
the scribe cutter includes a component selected from, but not
limited to, e.g., nickel, titanium, tungsten, steel, carbide steel,
polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, silicon nitride, rhenium,
boron, and combinations of these materials. The scribe cutter
extends a distance from the surface preferably in the range from
about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, but is not limited. The scribe cutter
includes a radial offset distance that is at least about one
quarter of the diameter of the base of the pin component. The
scribe cutter is coupled to the pin component that can include a
taper angle greater than or equal to about 90 degrees. The pin
component may include scroll threads or other features positioned
along the length of the pin component that rotate in a clockwise or
counter clockwise direction to drive first material extruded by the
scribe cutter in the lap weld stack to the center line of the lap
weld for incorporation therein. The scribe cutter provides a
rotational velocity of preferably between about 100 rpm and 1000
rpm, but is not limited. The scribe cutter provides a plunge depth
in the second material that is less than or equal to the length of
the scribe cutter. The scribe cutter generates a weld interface
with a width that is at least about two times the radial offset
distance of the scribe cutter. Other radial offset distances can be
selected in other embodiments. The scribe cutter contacts the first
(or top) material as it plunges through the lap weld stack and cuts
the surface of the second (or lower) material in the lap weld stack
between the two materials forming mechanical interlocking features.
The invention tool further includes a shoulder portion that
surrounds the pin component at the base. The shoulder portion
includes a surface that may be concave or convex. The shoulder
portion may further have a smooth surface or a featured surface
that includes scroll grooves defined by concentric spacings that
deliver the first material extruded by the scribe cutter. The
shoulder portion is positioned near the base of the pin component
in relation to the plunge direction. The scribe cutter backfills
the mechanical interlocking features in the second material forming
the lap weld joint. The scribe cutter extrudes the first (or top)
material in the lap weld stack at below its melting temperature
such that the first material maintains a shear stress
characteristic of the solid state, but that allows it to fill the
mechanically interlocking features introduced into the surface of
the second material forming the lap weld. The scribe cutter
extrudes the first material such that the first material fills the
mechanical interlocking features at a substantially uniform
hydrostatic pressure. The pressure selected is a function of the
material type and shape of the friction stir tool. The scribe
cutter maintains an operating temperature for the second material
that is below the melting temperature of the first material. The
scribe cutter is angled with respect to the vertical direction at
an angle between 0 degrees (i.e., that is aligned in the tool
plunge direction or the vertical direction) and 90 degrees (i.e.,
that is aligned at right angles to the plunge direction, or the
horizontal direction). The cutting scribe can produce lap welds
between dissimilar materials with increased shear strength and a
lower statistical deviation compared to lap welds produced absent
the cutting scribe. The cutting scribe yields lap welds with
mechanical interlocking features that enhance the shear strengths
of the welds. Shear strengths between the selected dissimilar
materials are a function of the types of materials used, melting
points, densities, and hardness characteristics of the selected
materials. The scribe cutter of the lap weld tool provides a
cutting depth in the second material that is less than or equal to
the length of the scribe cutter. In one embodiment, the scribe
cutter cuts a preselected portion from the second material that
defines a weld interface with a center line for forming the lap
weld. The weld interface includes a width defined by the radial
offset dimension of the scribe cutter. The radial offset distance
of the scribe cutter can be varied. In a preferred embodiment,
radial offset distance is at least about 1/4.sup.th of the pin tip
diameter off. In one embodiment, the diameter of the scribe cutter
is about 0.031 inches (0.79 mm), but is not limited. The scribe
cutter extends a preselected distance from the surface of the pin
component. In one embodiment, the scribe cutter extends to a height
of about 0.070 inches from the surface (face) of the pin component.
The scribe cutter can further include a positioning angle relative
to the vertical direction of less than about 90 degrees. In various
embodiments, dissimilar materials in the lap weld stack can
include: aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or alloys thereof; steel or
steel alloys; ceramics; polymers; and combinations of these
materials, described herein. The first dissimilar material and the
second dissimilar material have a melting temperature that is
preferably different from the other by at least about 20%.
Alternatively, the first dissimilar material and the second
dissimilar material have a density that is preferably different
from the other by at least about 10%.
[0006] The purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the
United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally,
especially scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who
are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
[0007] Various advantages and novel features of the present
invention are described herein and will become further readily
apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed
description. In the preceding and following descriptions the
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described by way
of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
modification in various respects without departing from the
invention. Accordingly, drawings and descriptions of the preferred
embodiment set forth hereafter are to be regarded as illustrative
in nature, and not as restrictive.
[0008] A more complete appreciation of the invention will be
readily obtained by reference to the following description of the
accompanying drawings in which like numerals in different figures
represent the same structures or elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of one embodiment of
the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged side view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front face view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] FIGS. 5a-5f illustrate various geometries for the scribe
cutter, according to various embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIGS. 6a-6b illustrate plunge features of the scribe cutter
of the invention for forming lap welds between dissimilar metal
components, according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a typical process for forming a lap weld,
according to an embodiment of the process of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 8a-8b compare lap welds produced by the invention and a
prior art process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention is a lap weld forming tool and process of a
friction stir weld (FSW) design that generates lap welds between
dissimilar materials with enhanced joint strengths. As used herein,
the term "dissimilar" in reference to lap weld component materials
being joined means: "a difference in melting (temperature) point of
more than about 20%, or a difference in density of at least about
10% by mass. The lap weld forming tool and process of the present
invention overcome the chemical incompatibility between dissimilar
materials and components generating a lap weld that binds the
dissimilar materials (e.g., Mg to steel) together. The chemical
incompatibility is overcome in two distinct ways. First, the lap
weld produced by the invention chemically bonds the material
components together using sufficient hydrostatic pressure and heat.
Secondly, the lap weld forming tool includes a scribe cutter
detailed further herein that introduces features into the surface
of the second material (i.e., the component having the higher
melting temperature or higher density) (e.g., steel), which is
placed generally at the bottom of the lap weld stack along the
length of the weld interface. The term "lap weld stack" as used
herein in reference to materials being joined refers to the
arrangement in which at least a first material is stacked atop at
least a second material. A region of overlap is established between
the dissimilar materials as a weld interface between the components
being joined together. The mechanical interlocking features
introduced into the surface of the second material component are
backfilled with the first material that is extruded by the scribe
cutter and delivered by the lap weld forming tool. The filled
interlocking features enhance the shear strength of the lap welds
formed. As such, the invention provides lap weld joints between
dissimilar materials that appear to be bonded both chemically and
mechanically. Lap welds of the invention thus exhibit less
susceptibility to variations in sheet thickness and surface
conditions of the selected dissimilar materials.
[0018] The lap weld forming tool of the invention will be described
herein in reference to formation of lap welds between two
dissimilar materials, magnesium (Mg) as a first material component,
and steel and steel alloys as a second material component. While
tests will be described in conjunction with these exemplary
materials, it is to be strictly understood that the invention is
not limited thereto. No limitations are intended.
[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode
of one embodiment of the present invention. Basics for construction
and operation of the invention are also detailed hereafter. It will
be clear from this description of the invention that the invention
is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the
invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments
thereto. Therefore the present description should be seen as
illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible
of various modifications and alternative constructions, it should
be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to
the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention
covers all modifications, alternative constructions, and
equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the claims.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a lap weld forming tool 100 of a friction stir
weld (FSW) design for joining dissimilar metal components,
according to an embodiment of the invention. Lap weld tool 100
includes a body 2. In the figure, a shank 4 couples centrally
(i.e., in the middle of) to body 2, but is not limited thereto.
Tool 100 includes a pin component 6 of a tapered and threaded
design that couples centrally on face 5 of shank 4 that surrounds
pin 6 at the base of pin 6. A scribe cutter 10 of a preselected,
non-limiting length is integrated on face 8 of pin 6. Scribe cutter
10 is positioned a preselected distance radially off center on the
face 8 of pin 6. In the exemplary embodiment, scribe cutter 10 is
composed of tool grade tungsten carbide. Tool body 2, shank 4, and
pin 6 are constructed of hardened H-13 tool steel, but component
materials are not limited thereto. As will be understood by the
person or ordinary skill in the art, tool 100 may be of a unibody
construction or otherwise constructed of a single tool material.
Thus, no material limitations are hereby intended. In the exemplary
embodiment, scribe cutter 10 is of a cylindrical design, but shape
of scribe cutter 10 is not limited to cylindrical shapes, as
described further herein. Scribe cutter 10 includes sharpened
leading edges (not shown) that penetrate and cut through, materials
(e.g., metals, ceramics, polymers, and other selected materials
described herein) being joined in a lap weld 25. Scribe cutter 10
penetrates through the first material 22 positioned atop second
material 24 of the lap weld stack 25 and extrudes first material 22
to a preselected depth. Scribe cutter 10 then cuts a surface of the
second material 24 in the stack 25 to form a geometry that includes
a plurality of mechanically interlocking features (described
further in reference to FIG. 7b). Scroll grooves 14 of pin
component 6 and scroll grooves 20 of shoulder 16 move first (or
top) material 22 extruded by scribe cutter 10 and backfills the
extruded material into the mechanically interlocking features along
the length of the interface 28 between the first 22 and second
materials 24 that yields the lap weld 28 between the dissimilar
materials (22, 24). The presence of the mechanically interlocking
features enhances the shear strength of the lap weld 28, as
described further herein. The off center radial position of scribe
cutter 10 on face 8 of pin 6 determines the width of or length
across lap weld 28 formed between the selected material components
(22, 24). In the exemplary embodiment, scribe 10, includes a height
measured from the surface 8 of pin component 6 of between about 0.1
mm and about 0.5 mm, but is not intended to be limited thereto. For
example, scribe 10 can include a height defined as a percentage of
the length of pin component 6 from about 1% to about 25% of the
length of the pin. Thus, no limitations are intended to dimensions
of the exemplary embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, lap weld
forming tool 100 is of a convex scroll design described further
herein in reference to FIG. 4. In exemplary lap weld tests, lap
weld tool 100 of the invention was tested by joining dissimilar
metal materials together. In exemplary tests, magnesium (Mg) metal
was joined as a first material sheet component 22 together with
various steel alloys as a second material component 24, described
hereafter.
Lap Weld Forming Materials
[0021] Various combinations of dissimilar materials can be joined
via lap weld in conjunction with the invention. Suitable materials
include a difference in melting temperature of at least about 20%,
a difference in density of at least about 10%, and differences of
at least about 10% in hardness and viscosity. Materials include,
but are not limited to, e.g., metals and metallic materials,
polymers and polymeric materials, ceramics and ceramic materials,
as well as combinations of these materials. Material combinations
include, but are not limited to, e.g., metal-metal combinations,
polymer-polymer combinations, metal-polymer combinations,
metal-ceramic combinations, polymer-ceramic combinations, and like
material combinations. All dissimilar materials as will be selected
by those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure are
within the scope of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged side view of lap weld tool 100. In
the figure, scribe cutter 10 is positioned radially off-center on
face 9 of pin 6. Pin 6 is of a tapered and threaded design that
couples centrally to shank 4, defining a shoulder 16 that surrounds
pin 6 at the base 12 of pin 6. Shank 4 couples centrally to body 2.
Pin 6 and shoulder 16 include a series of scroll grooves 14 (e.g.,
.about.5 turns and 2.5 turns, respectively) that in the exemplary
embodiment turn in a direction that drives material 22 extruded by
scribe cutter 10 to the centerline (i.e., placed at the center of)
along interface 28 when tool 100 is rotated at a preselected rate
or velocity, described further in reference to FIG. 4. In the
exemplary embodiment, shoulder 16 has a preferred, non-limiting
diameter of about 12.5 mm. The material 22 extruded by scribe
cutter 10 is placed into the mechanical interlocking features
(described further in reference to FIG. 7b) introduced by scribe
cutter 10 into second material 24 as scribe cutter 10 moves along
the length of interface 28 between dissimilar materials (22, 24)
being joined. This mechanical interlocking geometry along the
interface 28 between the dissimilar materials (22, 24) enhances the
shear strength of lap weld 28 that forms.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a front view of face 8 of lap weld forming tool
100 of the invention. In the figure, tool 100 includes a pin
component 6 that includes a series of scroll grooves 14 that in the
current configuration turn in a counter-clockwise (CCW) direction
at a preselected rate, described further in reference to FIG. 4.
Tool 100 further includes a shoulder 16 configured with a series
(e.g., 2.5 turns) of scroll grooves 20 that also turns in a
counter-clockwise direction when tool 100 is rotated at a
preselected rate. Number of grooves and turns is not limited. Turn
direction is also not limited. In the figure, scribe cutter 10 is
shown as an integrated component positioned radially off-center on
face 8 of pin 6. Scribe cutter 10 includes leading sharp cutting
edges (not shown) that provide the cutting, penetrating, and
plunging into various materials and components required to form the
lap welds between dissimilar materials. Shape of scribe cutter 10
and its cutting edges are not limited, as described further
herein.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged profile view of an exemplary
embodiment of lap weld forming tool 100, including radial and
structural dimensions. In the figure, tool 100 includes a pin
component 6 that couples to shank component 4 forming a shoulder
16. Shoulder 16 is of a convex tapered design that includes
threaded scrolls 20 that drive material 22 extruded by scribe
cutter 10 to the centerline of the lap weld interface (described
further in reference to FIG. 6a). In the exemplary embodiment, pin
component 6 includes a diameter across face 9 of about 0.17 inches
(0.4 mm), but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, scribe
cutter 10 is integrated on the face 9 of pin 6 and extends from the
surface a preselected height of 0.10 inches (0.254 mm). In another
embodiment, scribe cutter 10 extends from the surface to a height
of about 0.25 mm from the surface and has a width (diameter) of
about 0.8 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, radial distance of
scribe cutter 10 on face 8 of pin 6 is preselected between about
1.0 mm and 1.8 mm from the center of pin 6 on face 8. As will be
understood by the person or ordinary skill in the art, distance
that scribe cutter 10 extends from the surface of pin 6 can be
varied so as to provide a variety of penetration (plunge) depths
through various lap weld stacks 25 assembled with dissimilar
materials of various thicknesses. Thus, thickness of materials is
not intended to be limiting. Thicknesses of component materials can
be selected in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 50.0 mm. Thus,
no limitations are intended. In the exemplary embodiment, tool 100
employs magnesium and steel component materials. Preferred
thickness is between about 2.1 mm and about 2.5 mm, but is not
limited thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, pin 6 also includes a
10.degree. taper angle, but angle is not limited thereto. The taper
incline increases from the top of face 9 down the length of pin 6
to its base 12, where pin component 6 couples to the shank
component 4 forming shoulder portion 16. Pin component 6 includes
scrolls (threads) 14 (e.g., 2 starts, .about.3.25 turns) that in
operation rotate in a counter clockwise (CCW) direction. Direction
is not limited. Shoulder 16 of the exemplary embodiment also
includes a series of scrolls 20 (e.g., 2 starts, .about.2.5 turns).
In the figure, each scroll 20 of shoulder 16 has an exemplary
thread dimension that is 0.005 inches high and 0.01 inches wide,
but dimensions are not intended to be limited thereto. The diameter
of shoulder scrolls 20 increases progressively from the interior
edge of the shoulder 16 diameter to the outermost edge of the
shoulder 16 diameter. Scrolls (14, 20) of the exemplary embodiment
turn in a counter-clockwise direction when pin 6, shoulder 16, (and
scribe cutter 10 of tool 100 rotate. In operation, pin component 6
of tool 100 turns (rotates) at a preselected rate preferably in the
range from about 100 rpm to about 1000 rpm, but rate is not a
limiting parameter. Shoulder 16 of the exemplary embodiment further
includes a raised convex surface (.about.1.60'' radius) 18 that
assists movement of extruded material that fills mechanical
interlocking features (described further in reference to FIG. 7b)
formed in second material 24 by scribe cutter 10. The mechanical
interlocking features ultimately enhance the strength of the lap
weld (described in reference to FIG. 5a) in lap weld stack 25
between the dissimilar materials (22, 24).
[0025] FIGS. 5a-5f show various alternate geometries for scribe
cutter 10. In FIG. 5a, scribe cutter 10 is of a substantially
cylindrical design, as described previously herein in reference to
the exemplary embodiment, but shapes are not limited thereto. For
example, in other embodiments, shape of scribe cutter 10 includes,
but is not limited to, e.g., rectangular (FIG. 5b), triangular and
pyramidal (FIG. 5c), and conical (FIG. 5d). In yet other
embodiments, scribe cutter 10 is of a structured design that
includes, but is not limited to, e.g., tapered design (FIG. 5e), a
threaded design (FIG. 5f), and other non-cylindrical geometries,
including combinations of these various designs. No limitations are
intended.
Plunge Features
[0026] FIGS. 6a-6b illustrate the unique plunge features provided
by the scribe cutter 10 of lap weld tool 100 of the invention for
forming lap welds between dissimilar materials, according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention. The length of scribe cutter
10 of lap weld forming tool 100 allows the preselection of various
plunge depths, given that the pin 6 and shoulder 16 components of
tool 100 preferably do not contact the second (bottom) material 24
in lap weld stack 25 during formation of the lap weld--a unique
property of the invention. In the lap weld forming process, lap
weld forming tool 100 with its attached or integrated scribe cutter
10 penetrates through the first (top) material 22 (e.g., Mg) of lap
weld stack 25 and plunges to a preselected depth that contacts and
cuts the surface of second material 24 (e.g., steel), but avoids
contact with the pin component 6 or shoulder 16. This configuration
ensures tool 100 will produce insufficient heat to melt the first,
or lower melting, material component 22, yet allows scribe cutter
10 to penetrate through, extrude, and mix the first material
component 22. The preselected plunge depth reached by scribe cutter
10 through lap weld stack 25 provides contact with, and cuts a
beneficial geometry on, a preselected portion of the surface of
second material 24. This is a fundamentally different approach than
is undertaken with FSW tools and processes known in the prior art.
In particular, scribe cutter 10 of the present invention introduces
a geometry that forms mechanical interlocking features (FIG. 8a)
into the surface of second material 24 between dissimilar materials
(22, 24) along the length of the interface 28 that defines lap weld
28. These mechanical interlocking features are backfilled with
first material 22 that is extruded by scribe cutter 10 as it
plunges and moves through the lap weld stack 25 into second
material component 24 along weld interface 28. Position of scribe
cutter 10 on the pin component 6 allows the width or area across
the interface 28 to be varied or preselected without increasing the
size of tool 100. Lap weld forming tool 100 of the invention
further minimizes heat required to form lap weld 28, which
minimizes deleterious effects associated with excessive heat.
Presence of mechanical interlocking features (FIG. 8b) further
enhances the shear strength of lap weld 28, while simultaneously
minimizing statistical deviation in joint strengths associated with
formation of the lap weld, and providing reproducible lap welds in
accordance with the invention as described further herein.
Mechanical interlocking is made possible by differences in the
melting temperatures, densities, and other associated properties
between the dissimilar materials (22, 24) selected. Such
differences and extremes in material properties are not experienced
by prior art FSW devices and processes because the materials to be
joined are largely similar properties. Thus, the invention provides
a lap weld (joint) 28 between selected dissimilar materials (22,
24) that is appears to be both chemically bonded and mechanically
bonded. Pressures required by the present invention to penetrate
component materials (22, 24) in lap weld stack 25 are not intended
to be limited. For example, pressures will depend on the materials
being joined, the hardness of selected materials, the thickness of
materials being joined, the rate of rotation of the scribe cutter
10, and other welding parameters including, but not limited to,
e.g., plunge velocity, tool shape, plunge depth, and tool
materials. Thus, no limitations are intended. The process for
joining dissimilar materials in conjunction with the invention will
now be described.
Solid State Joining of Dissimilar Materials
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a typical process 700 for joining dissimilar
materials in accordance with the invention. {START}. In an optional
first step {Step 702}, materials to be joined are cleaned, e.g.,
using isopropyl alcohol or another cleaning solution prior to
welding. Next {Step 704}, materials to be lap welded are arranged
in a suitable lap weld stack 25 or configuration. For the exemplary
lap weld described herein, a sheet of magnesium (Mg) 22 of a
preselected thickness (e.g., 2.3-mm to 2.5-mm) was placed atop a
sheet of steel 24 of a similar thickness. Thicknesses of the
dissimilar materials are not limited. Overlap width of first (top)
component material 22 and second (bottom) component material 24 in
the exemplary lap weld stack 25 that defined lap weld interface 28
were typically about 35-mm, but is not limited thereto. Next {Step
706}, lap weld forming tool 100 is positioned over the lap weld
interface 28 (centerline) of the overlapping material components
(22, 24) and scribe cutter 10 cuts second (bottom) material 24,
introducing mechanically interlocking features (FIG. 8b) of a
preselected depth into the surface of second material 24. Typical
cut depth in surface of component 24 is about 0.05'', but is not
limited. For example, tool 100 can be plunged to a limit of about
95% of the thickness of the first (top) sheet 22 or up to the
length of scribe cutter 10 such that the scribe 10 interfaces with
second material 24 without generating excessive heat that can melt
the lower melting material 22. Scribe cutter 10 has an exemplary
length of about 0.010'', but is not limited thereto. Thus, in the
exemplary embodiment, plunge depth through material components (22,
24) of lap weld stack 25 is preselected in the range between about
0.003'' and about 0.007'' depending on the thickness of the second
material 24, but is not limited thereto. Following penetration into
lap weld stack 25, lap weld forming tool 100 proceeds, e.g., in the
X-dimension, placing material 22 extruded by scribe cutter 10 along
the centerline of weld interface 28 as tool 100 rotates and scrolls
(e.g., in the counter-clockwise direction). A sufficient pressure
and heat (that are functions of both tool geometry and process
parameters) are selected to extrude material from the first
material component 22 that serves to move this material into the
interlocking features (FIG. 8b) introduced into second material 24
along the interface 28 between dissimilar materials (22, 24). The
invention further enables the FSW process in that no melting of top
sheet 22 occurs between dissimilar materials (22, 24). Lap weld
forming tool 100 in combination with scribe cutter 10 generates
sufficient forging loads and thermal heat to reduce yield and flow
stresses of first (top) material 22 without melting it. Next {Step
708}, scribe cutter 10 backfills the mechanical interlocking
features (FIG. 8b) introduced into the surface of second material
24 with the first material 22 extruded by scribe cutter 10, which
enhances the shear strength of the lap weld 28 formed between
dissimilar metal components (22, 24) along the length of interface
28 {END}.
Microstructure of the Lap Weld
[0028] FIGS. 8a-8b are cross-sectional views of lap weld joints
produced by a conventional Friction Stir Weld (FSW) process (FIG.
8a) and the invention (FIG. 8b), respectively, that compare the
microstructure of the welds. In FIG. 8a, the conventional FSW lap
weld joint 28 shows a small void 26. The convention joint exhibits
a low shear stress tolerance. In FIG. 8b, in contrast, lap weld
joint 28 of the invention includes mechanical interlocking features
30 along the length of the lap weld interface 28. These mechanical
interlocking features 30 are introduced into the surface of second
material 24, as scribe cutter (FIG. 4) of lap weld forming tool 100
advances horizontally from right to left into the photograph plane.
The mechanical interlocking features 30 are backfilled with first
material 22 (e.g., Mg) extruded by scribe cutter (FIG. 4) as it
advances along the length of the lap weld interface 28 through lap
weld stack 25. The mechanical interlocking features 30 provide one
binding mechanism that secures the dissimilar materials (22, 24) in
lap weld 28 together, which serves to enhance the shear strength of
the lap weld 28. In exemplary lap welds of the invention produced
between dissimilar materials composed of magnesium and various
steels and steel alloys, the lap welds 28 exhibited shear stress
yields greater than about 90% of the strength of the individual
materials (22, 24) forming the lap weld 28. Typical load stresses
and temperatures employed by the invention depend on the tool
design, rotation, transverse translation speeds, applied pressure,
as well as the material properties between the dissimilar materials
being joined. The central plunge region that produces lap weld 28
contains a characteristic "onion-ring" flow pattern, which is the
most severely deformed region of lap weld 28. The layered
onion-ring structure is a consequence of the way in which scroll
grooves (14, 20) of the tool 100 deposit material 22 extruded by
scribe cutter 10 from the front to the back of the weld 28 as the
cutter 10 rotates in the interface 28 between the materials (22,
24) being joined. Designs of the lap weld forming tool 100 of the
present invention concentrate on the ratio between the pin 6 and
the shoulder 16; preferred diameters are in a ratio of about 1:3.
Rotational aspects of scribe cutter 10, scrolls (14, 20), pin
component 6, and shoulder 16 are designed to influence the overall
flow of first (top) material 22 into the mechanical interlocking
features (FIG. 8b). For example, when joining materials with
greatly differing flow stresses and melting regimes, the invention
tool 100 does not mix the two materials. Conventional understanding
of linear friction stir welding of lap joints prior to the
invention was that a FSW tool should penetrate (plunge) entirely
through the material of upper sheet 22. However, experiments with
conventional linear friction stir welding devices demonstrated that
plunging a FSW tool into the lower sheet 24 of a lap weld stack 25
configured with materials with melting points that differed by at
least 20% quickly generates temperatures that melt the first (top
and less dense) material, forming unstable lap weld joints with
insufficient load and shear stress strengths. Tests have
demonstrated, for example, that contact between a pin component and
a high temperature melting material (e.g., steel) produces
excessive heat that proves to be problematic to the formation of a
proper lap weld joint between dissimilar materials (22, 24). For
example, in the exemplary embodiment described herein, attempts to
join a Mg sheet 22 (a relatively low melting temperature metal) to
steel sheets 24 and other steel alloys (significantly higher
melting temperature metals) using a conventional FSW tool caused
excessive flash, problematic microstructures, and other related
bonding problems. In the present invention, introduction of scribe
cutter 10 of lap weld forming tool 100 described herein prevents
overheating of the lower melting temperature material 22. Scribe
cutter 10 provides an effective geometry and area of contact on the
high melting temperature metal component 24 for bonding the
dissimilar materials (22, 24) together. Further, temperatures are
selected such that they do not exceed 80% of the melting point of
the lower melting metal component material 22. In addition,
external pressures used for the lap welding process are generally
not critical. Selected pressures are a function of the tool design,
materials being lap welded, and plunge depths employed.
[0029] The exemplary embodiment of the invention was tested by
measuring shear stress strength of lap welds between sheets of
magnesium and steel alloys. The lap weld forming tool 100
integrates a small scribe cutter (i.e., an integral scribe) at the
bottom of a pin component of a friction stir weld tool that
includes a hardened or abrasive surface. In operation, the integral
scribe cutter 10 of tool 100 produces a very small area of
penetration through the first material 22 through lap weld stack 25
through the interface 28 defined between dissimilar materials (22,
24) and into second material 24. Only the scribe 10 of the
invention contacts the surface of the 2.sup.nd component material
24, thereby eliminating the excessive heat associated with
conventional FSW tools and processes. The scribe cutter 10 then
disrupts and cuts the surface of second material component 24
introducing mechanical interlocking features (FIG. 8b) into the
second material component 24 that enhances the strength of the lap
weld 28 formed between dissimilar materials (22, 24). A suitable
temperature and pressure of the FSW stir weld turning process
allows the softer material 22 component (e.g., Mg) in the
dissimilar lap material stack 25 to fill the mechanical
interlocking features (FIG. 8b) produced in the harder second
material component 24.
[0030] The following examples will provide a further understanding
of the invention in its larger aspects.
Example 1
Statistical Deviation Of Invention Lap Welds
[0031] A lap weld (250-mm line length) produced by the invention
between a 2.3-mm thick sheet of a magnesium alloy (e.g., AZ31
alloy) and a 0.8-mm thick sheet of U.S. Steel Drawing Type B-Hot
Dipped Galvanizing (DSTB-HDG) steel
(http://www.uss.com/corp/auto/tech/grades/lowcarbon/ds_type_b.asp)
gave a shear strength of 210.4 kN/m with a deviation of +/-5.06
(83% to 87% of the tensile strength for the 0.8 mm steel). A lap
weld produced for identical materials using a conventional FSW tool
without the scribe cutter demonstrated a shear strength of 188.4
kN/m with a deviation of +/-60.5 (37% to 84% of the tensile
strength of the 0.8-mm steel). Results show an increase in the
strength of the invention lap weld of at least about 25% on average
compared to the conventional weld. Furthermore, statistical
deviation of the lap weld shear strength was reduced from 60.5 kN/m
to 5.06 kN/m.
Example 2
Load Tolerance of Lap Weld #1
[0032] A lap weld made in conjunction with the invention between a
2.3-mm thick sheet of a magnesium alloy (e.g., AZ31) and a 0.8-mm
thick sheet of U.S. Steel DSTB-HDG steel alloy demonstrated a load
tolerance of .about.6500N (245 kN/m). Normal load tolerances for
AZ31 (2.3-mm) and DSTB-HDG (0.8-mm) are .about.624 kN/m and
.about.247 kN/m, respectively. Results show the load capacity for
invention lap welded materials to be at or near the bearing
capacity of the weaker material (DTSB-HDG).
Example 3
Load Tolerance of Lap Weld #2
[0033] Another lap weld made in conjunction with the invention
combined a 2.3-mm thick sheet of magnesium alloy (e.g., AZ31) and a
1.5-mm thick sheet of High Strength, Low Alloy Hot Dipped
Galvanizing (HSLA-HDG) steel. The lap weld demonstrated a maximum
load of .about.7600N (249 kN/m). Normal load tolerances for AZ31
(2.3-mm) and HSLA-HDG (1.5-mm) are .about.624 kN/m and .about.896
kN/m, respectively. Results show the load capacity for the
invention lap welded materials to be at least about 40% of the
bearing capacity of the AZ31, a significant increase (greater than
20%) over strengths of lap welds produced without the scribe cutter
of the invention.
Example 4
Load Tolerance of Lap Weld #3
[0034] Another lap weld made in conjunction with the invention
combined a 2.3-mm thick sheet of magnesium alloy (e.g., AZ31) to a
0.8-mm thick sheet of DSTB-HDG steel. The lap weld demonstrated a
maximum load of .about.6200N (214 N/m). Normal load tolerances for
AZ31 (2.3-mm) and DSTB-HDG (1.5-mm) are .about.624 kN/m and
.about.247 kN/m, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
[0035] A new lap weld forming tool and scribe cutter have been
described that enable friction stir welding of dissimilar
materials. The invention provides a wide variety of process
parameters including, but not limited to, e.g., material melting
temperatures, material density differences, material hardness
properties, material thicknesses, greater control over heat inputs,
tool rotation rates (RPM), linear weld velocity, and like process
parameters. The invention scribe further provides the ability to
tailor the microstructure of the materials in a lap weld stack that
enhances the strength of the weld between the dissimilar materials.
In particular, the invention adds a mechanical interlocking
geometry into the weld interface that increases the strengths of
the lap welds and minimizes the deviation and scatter therein.
Exemplary lap welds have demonstrated shear strengths in excess of
90% of the base strength of the material components not previously
known in the art.
[0036] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that many changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the invention in its true scope and broader
aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all
such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *
References