ABSTRACT
This chapter presents overall status of features of important joining processes, important materials of use and issues with their joining. It outlines a comprehensive treatment on strength and challenges of major joining processes employed in industrial sector using bulk material. The chapter provides a brief overview on friction stir welding (FSW), joining of Al-alloys by FSW, and welding of dissimilar Al-alloys in a comprehensive manner. Efficient welding process is required to weld the aluminum alloys so as to meet their heavy demand raised by user industries. The major constraint that restricts the use of aluminum alloys is attributed to their joining process. Suitable solid state welding techniques with proper strategy become very useful to effectively join dissimilar aluminum alloys. FSW has become a preferred fabrication process for dissimilar welding of aluminum alloys. During FSW, heated and softened metals being joined undergo movement around the pin and under the shoulder by a stirring action.
