The effects of casting and forging processes on joint properties in friction-welded AISI 1050 and AISI 304 steels

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of investment casting and forging process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction weldments, AISI 1050-AISI 304. A continuous-drive friction welding device with the automatic control ability of friction time and forging pressure was designed and constructed. Factorial design of experiments was performed to join investment cast AISI 1050 steels and forged AISI 1050 steels with AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel with respect to the optimized process parameters. The joint performance was evaluated by tensile and hardness tests performed parallel and perpendicular to the weld interface. Microstructure of forged parts under friction welding was examined using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Results of microstructural studies were compared with those of friction welding of investment cast parts. The results reveal that a recrystallized region or a mechanically mixed layer was formed on the AISI 304 side near the weld interface, depending on friction time and friction pressure. Friction welding of forged parts always exhibited higher tensile strength, lower hardness, and more upset than the cast parts.