The Effects of Resistance Spot Welding Parameters on the Mechanical Behavior of Stainless Steel

Abstract

The resistance spot welding process is a promising method for welding thin sheets of similar and dissimilar materials, principally stainless steel. Resistance spot welding is ensured using the combined effect of mechanical pressure and electric current through the thin sheets. In this experimental study, 304L stainless steel sheets were welded by resistance spot welding at various welding parameters. The welding parameters were welding effort, welding time, and welding current. Welding current varied from 10kA to 16kA, welding time varied from 10 to 13 cycles, and welding effort was fixed to 8 bars. The results showed that welding time had little effect on the mechanical properties compared to the welding current. The experimental results also showed that welding current is an important parameter for joining sheets and their mechanical strength. The external aspects of the spots were examined to determine the influence of welding parameters on the welded joints.