ABSTRACT
In this Work, a comprehensive practical study in total cost estimation of welded Aluminum 6061 pipes using three different types of welds, Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and Friction Stir Welding (FSW) . The cost component of joining Al 6061 aluminum pipe welding was each component cost (labor cost, Power cost, Machine cost, shield gas cost(MIG,TIG), filler metal cost(MIG,TIG) and Tool cost(FSW)) has been closely analyzed and major cost components have been included in the cost model. We used these cost models to predict the cost of Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and friction stir welded pipe joints. Initial results show that MIG and TIG welding were less cost effective compared to FS welding, but it is possible that the cost of reduced friction stirs welding with quantitative prediction.
