The 2A14 T6 aluminum alloy with a thickness of 5 mm is welded by FSW and VP-TIG respectively

and the characteristics of the welds are studied. The results show that both welding methods can obtain welds that meet the requirements of the corresponding standard level I. There are tiny holes inside the VP-TIG welded joint

and the grains are coarse. The microstructure of FSW welded joints is dense

the grains are fine

and the grain size of the HAZ on the retreating side is significantly larger than that on the advancing side. The minimum hardness of the VP-TIG welded joint is 92.8 HV0.2/20

which is located in the center of the weld. The minimum hardness of FSW welded joint is 104.2 HV0.2/20 and is located at the junction of TMAZ and HAZ on the retreating side. The VP-TIG welded joint has a strength coefficient of 0.63 and an elongation of 4.7%

the fracture occurs in the HAZ. The FSW welded joint has a strength coefficient of 0.8 and an elongation of 5%

the fracture occurs at the junction of TMAZ and HAZ on the retreating side. These two kinds of fractures are ductile fracture.