In this study, the weldability of ADC12 FSW joints obtained by the load control type of the FSW machine is examined. The higher the tool plunge downforce the wider the range of the optimum FSW conditions is obtained. However, there is a limit of optimum range with increasing the tool plunge downforces. The three different types of defects are formed in ADC12 FSW joints, depending on the welding conditions. One is a large mass of flash due to the excess heat input, another is a cavity or groove-like defects caused by insufficient heat input and the other is a cavity caused by the abnormal stirring. As for the abnormal stirring, it is very clearly seen that the shape of the top part on the advancing side in the stir zone is completely different. For this type of defect, the effect of the tool plunge downforce is not significant, though the size of the defect due to insufficient heat input significantly is decreased with the increasing downforce