Innovative quality assurance in friction stir welding technology

Joint structure analysis using metallography

The metallographic microsection – created as a cross-section to the weld seam – shows precisely how the materials of the join partners are mixed together. With careful polishing followed by etching, the microstructure is revealed under the microscope.
These microsections are an essential part of quality assurance in friction stir welding joints.

Comprehensive quality assurance in accordance with international standards
Our comprehensive quality assurance combines the following core elements:

  • Standardised definition of requirements based on:
    Quality and testing requirements from DIN EN ISO 25239-5
  • Precise process control using automated parameter regulation with set tolerances for process parameters
  • Multistage testing procedure:
  • Visual inspection: to identify external weld defects
    (pores, underhung seam, welding ridges)
  • Seal test: to quantify the leak rate using pressure difference tests
  • Burst testing: to determine bursting pressure, critical component areas and to analyse break points
  • Metallographic examination: to analyse material mixing (weld seam structure), to detect internal weld defects, and to analyse seam position and welding penetration depth
  • Advanced technological tests (if required): hardness mapping, tensile strength analysis, strain measurements, X-ray testing

This comprehensive quality assurance enables us to guarantee the maximum precision and reliability of our friction stir welding – for your challenging metalworking projects.

Weld seam testing: metallographic analysis

In the section on the left, the weld is cut longitudinally, so the weld runs from right to left. The characteristic squamous mixing of the two alloys is visible as a result of the different etching characteristics after polishing the specimens. The cross-section (right) – which was made at 90° to the weld seam – also shows the mixing of the two alloys. This clearly reveals the defined welding penetration depth and the weld area.