Friction welding is now well-established as a reliable method of producing high-quality welds between two metal components. In addition, it is adaptable to automation and requires no consumables. In this process, the necessary heat is generated by the simple expedient of rotating one of the components while it is pressed hard against the other.
In this article, the results of experiments on the friction welding of 15 mm diameter carbon steels to itself using a Continuous Drive Friction Welding Machine are reported and experiments on the influences of Carbon Equivalent on the weldability of the welded joint, and the effects of the heat treatment of the base metals prior to welding and the heat treatment of the welded joint, are performed.
Mechanical and metallographic examinations of the welded joints are carried out, and the structures are discussed in connection with the material and the welding condition.
The optimum welding conditions are as follows ; when C.E. is 0.4, Friction pressure is $2.5 Kg_f/mm^2$ and Friction-time is 15 sec, and when C.E. lies in the range of 0.7 and 1.1, Friction pressure is $4.5 Kg_f/mm^2$ and Friction time is about 45 sec. Although the heat treatment of base metals prior to welding has little influence on the mechanical properties of the welded joint, that of the welded joint has much influence on the mechanical properties of it. But, this influence is negligible for the high Carbon Equivalent materials.
