Evolution in Micro-friction Stir Welding

Friction stir welding (FSW) has been a revolutionary development in the joining technology, as it has made possible the welding of metals, similar as well as dissimilar, that could not be joined by conventional methods. Friction stir welding also has the potential to join composites, plastics, and even, the welding of wood has been reported by researchers. Micro-friction stir welding is the downscale version of friction stir welding in which the joining of ultra-thin sheets, usually with thickness less than 1 mm. This downscaling has led to its application in electrical, electronics, and micromechanical assemblies. Although µ-friction stir welding is a recent application, significant work has been reported in this field. This paper aims to highlight the development, challenges, and other related considerations that have occurred due to the downscaling of this process.