AWS D17.3/D17.3M:2016

This specification covers the general requirements for the friction stir welding of aluminum alloys for aerospace applications. It includes the requirements for weldment design, qualification of personnel and procedures, fabrication, and inspection.
Scope : This specification contains the requirements for friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminum aerospace hardware. The requirements include design of welded joints, qualification of procedures and operators, fabrication and inspection. The FSW methods covered by this specification are conventional FSW, retractable probe FSW, and self-reacting FSW 1.2 Units of Measure. This standard makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units (SI). The latter are shown within brackets ([ ]) or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. The measurements may not be the exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently. 1.3 Safety. Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and therefore are not addressed herein. Safety and health information is available from the following sources: American Welding Society: (1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets (3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website. Material or Equipment Manufacturers: (1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers (2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers. Applicable Regulatory Agencies Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.