Abstract:Friction Stir Welding (FSW), as an environmentally friendly, cost-effective solid-state joining technique, has been widely applied in the fields of aerospace, rail transportation and new energy vehicles. However, when it comes to the FSW of high-melting-point alloy materials like titanium alloys and stainless steels, the choice of the tool material becomes a major limiting factor. Tungsten-rhenium (W-Re) alloy, with its high melting point, high hardness and corrosion resistance, has emerged as the most promising tool material for FSW of high-melting-point alloys. This review article summarizes the research progress in the preparation methods, composite reinforcement techniques, and application scenarios of W-Re alloy tool materials for FSW in recent years. Additionally, it provides an outlook on expanding the applications of W-Re alloy in the field of FSW, including efforts to reduce production costs and enhance its service life. The aim is to promote further application and development of W-Re alloy tool materials in the field of FSW.