Resistance welding is a process whereby force is applied to surfaces in contact and in which the heat for welding is produced by the passage of electric current through the electrical resistance at, and adjacent to, these surfaces. It is a well-established process, having an excellent track record for producing quality joints in sheet materials. In the European automotive industry alone, over 150 million resistance spot welds are made each day.
Several different resistance welding techniques have been developed; including:
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Resistance spot welding
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Flash and resistance butt welding
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High frequency welding
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Micro and miniature resistance welding
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Resistance projection welding
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Resistance seam welding
The primary application of resistance spot welding is high speed welding of products formed from sheet material. The process can accommodate a wide range of materials and thicknesses. The sheet thicknesses most commonly welded fall in the range 0.5-5mm. Materials that can be spot welded include: low carbon and micro-alloyed steels, coated steels, stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, copper and its alloys, magnesium and some refractory metals. Applications cover a range of industry sectors including white goods, automotive, heating and ventilation, and construction.
TWI has longstanding, industry-based experience in resistance techniques, and has developed process and quality standards. A comprehensive technical support service is provided and project work has included: troubleshooting & advice on best practice, fracture mechanics testing facilities, metallurgical support services, instrumentation & monitoring equipment, tailored training courses.
For more information, please contact us.
