• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (10): 103-127.doi: 10.3901/JME.260495

Previous Articles    

Current Research Status and Development Trends of Friction Stir Welding Tool Materials

LUO Laima1,2,3, CHEN Jiuxiong1, WANG Yafeng1, SUN Fei1,2,3, WU Yucheng1,2,3   

  1. 1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009;
    2. National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Nonferrous Metals and Processing Technology, Hefei 230009;
    3. Engineering Research Center of High Performance Copper Alloy Materials and Processing, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230009
  • Received:2025-05-16 Revised:2025-11-04 Published:2026-07-29

Abstract: As a solid-state welding technology, friction stir welding has seen relatively mature applications in the welding of low-melting-point metals due to its advantages of low energy consumption, high efficiency, and no need for filler materials. However, in the field of high-melting-point metal welding, this technology still faces many challenges, particularly regarding the insufficient service performance and high cost of the tool materials, which limits its application expansion. Currently, the research and application of high-performance, low-cost tool materials have become a hot topic of research both domestically and internationally. This paper reviews the preparation processes and welding performance of different tool materials used in FSW, with a focus on steel tools for low-melting-point metal welding, as well as tool materials commonly used for high-melting-point metal welding, such as PCBN, WRE alloys, and cemented carbide. By analyzing the preparation technologies and service behaviors of various materials, this paper provides researchers with a reference for selecting and preparing tool materials in high-melting-point metal welding, and also looks ahead to the future research and development directions of tool materials.

Key words: friction stir welding technology, tool materials, PCBN, steel materials, WRE alloys, cemented carbide

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