Effect of deep cryogenic treatment on electrode life and microstructure for spot welding hot dip galvanized steel

In this article, the deep cryogenic treatment technology is first applied in the treatment of electrodes, for spot welding hot dip galvanized steel plate and electrode, life experiment is carried out. The microstructure and elements distribution of the deep cryogenic treatment electrodes, and non-cryogenic treatment of electrodes for spot welding hot dip galvanized steel is observed by, scanning electrical microscope and X-ray diffraction. The experimental results shows that deep cryogenic treatment makes Cr, Zr, in deep cryogenic treatment of electrodes, emanate disperseadly and makes the grain of deep cryogenic treatment of electrodes, smaller than non-cryogenic treatment ones, so that the electrical conductivity and the thermal conductivity of deep cryogenic treatment electrodes are improved very much, which makes electrode life for spot welding hot dip galvanized steel that improves obviously.     

镀锌钢的液态金属脆现象及其在电阻点焊过程中的表现

液态金属脆是指通常具有韧性的固体金属或者合金与液态金属直接接触且受到拉伸应力时,其塑性降低并发生脆性断裂的现象。钢在液态锌中会发生液态金属脆现象,这在镀锌钢的热拉伸实验中得到了证实。此外,研究人员发现在镀锌高强钢的电阻点焊过程中也会出现液态金属脆现象,表现为在焊点表面出现大量裂纹,这些裂纹对焊点性能存在潜在危害。本文回顾了镀锌钢液态金属脆现象的热拉伸实验研究,阐明了影响脆化现象的实验因素;综述了镀锌钢在电阻点焊过程中发生液态金属脆现象的研究进展,分析了产生裂纹的位置及其影响因素,并总结了可能的解决方案。     

Optimised design of electrode morphology for novel dissimilar resistance spot welding of aluminium alloy and galvanised high strength steel

A novel resistance spot welding method of dissimilar materials of 6008-T66 aluminium alloy and H220YD galvanised high strength steel was presented, and the morphology of welding electrodes was designed optimally. Macrostructure, microstructure and mechanical property of the welded joints obtained with optimised electrodes were studied. Numerical simulation of current density distribution and temperature field during welding was also performed. The optimised electrodes were a planar circular tip electrode with tip diameter of 10 mm on the steel side and a spherical tip electrode with spherical diameter of 70 mm on the aluminium alloy side. The welded joint obtained with optimised electrodes could be regarded as a special welded-brazed joint, and an intermetallic compound layer composed of Fe₂Al₅ and Fe₄Al₁₃ with maximum thickness of about 4.0 μm was formed at the aluminium/steel interface in the welded joint. Tensile shear load up to 5.4 kN was achieved for the welded joint obtained with optimised electrodes. Current density distribution during welding with optimised electrodes was more homogeneous than that with F type electrodes. Furthermore, interfacial temperature in the welded joint during welding with optimised electrodes (about 915 °C) was lower than that with F type electrodes (about 985 °C).     

Optimization of welding parameters for resistance spot welding of TRIP steel with response surface methodology

Many automotive companies are endeavouring to reduce the weight of the car body in response to various environmental issues. One initiative is the development of TRIP (Transformation Induced Plasticity) steels with a high strength and ductility. Resistance spot welding is a complex process, which requires specific optimal welding conditions based on experimental data. However, the trial-and-error method to determine the optimal conditions requires a large number of experiments, and so response surface methodology has been employed to overcome this problem. The second-order model was used here. This has been used in the resistance spot welding process of the TRIP steel and galvanized TRIP steel with a zinc-coated layer to optimize the welding parameters. The welding current, welding time, and welding force were selected as input variables, and the shear strength and indentation were selected as output variables.     

Comparative study on CO2 laser overlap welding and resistance spot welding for galvanized steel

The CO₂ laser overlap welding and the resistance spot welding are respectively investigated on DC56D galvanized steel used for auto body. The characteristics of the two types of welding methods are systematically analyzed in terms of the weld molding, tensile-shear performance, microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of welding joint. The results show that, the fusion widths of the upper and lower surface are almost the same for the resistance welding joint, and the weld nugget is surrounded by the heat-affected zone. While the laser welding joint belongs to deep penetration welding, the weld fusion width presents wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, and the heat-affected zone is situated on both sides of the weld pool. Compared with resistance spot welding joint, laser welding joints have much more ultrafine microstructures, much smaller heat-affected zones, as well as greater resistance to deformation and corrosion. In addition, the tensile-shear performance of laser weld joints is superior to that of resistance welding joints under certain conditions.     

Study on fibre laser spot welding of TRIP980 steel

A 980 MPa transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel was fibre laser spot welded by different Argon (Ar) shielding conditions, laser power (1000 up to 2500 W) and defocusing distances (?8 up to +8 mm). The surface appearance, cross-section macrostructure, microstructure, hardness, tensile shear properties and fatigue properties of laser spot welds were evaluated. The results showed that the welds with Ar shielding had larger weld appearance and bonding sizes, better tensile shear properties compared with the welds without Ar shielding. With the increase in laser power, the laser welding mode changed from conduction to keyhole, which improved the bonding size and mechanical properties. The bonding size and mechanical properties increased in the order of defocusing distances of +8, ?8, +4, ?4 and 0 mm. During the fatigue tests of laser spot weld, the fusion zone pullout and sheet transverse fracture failure modes were observed.     

Modeling of resistance spot welding of multiple stacks of steel sheets

Weld quality is a major challenge for resistance spot welding of multiple stacks of steel sheets. Because of the differences in mechanical and physical properties of steel sheets and the sheet gage variation, the contact state between sheets and welding current flow throughout the stack joint is complicated. As a result, discrepant weld sizes at the faying interfaces become an issue. In this study, a coupled thermal–mechanical/thermal–electrical incremental model has been developed to reasonably predict the weld nugget formation process of resistance spot welding of a sheet stack made of 0.6 mm thick galvanized SAE1004+1.8 mm thick galvanized SAE1004+1.4 mm thick galvanized dual-phase (DP600) steel using published thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. It was found that the weld nugget on the faying interface of DP600 forms earlier than that on the other interface, which agrees well with the experimental results. Based on the coupled model, the effects of the sheet gage combination and steel grade combination were examined. The results show that, for a multiple stacks of steel sheets SAE1004 + SAE1004 + DP600, the critical ratio of sheet thickness between the top and bottom sheets is approximately 1:3. The model could provide an important guidance in the selection of the welding variables, sheet gage and steel grade to meet the weld quality of steel component.     

Friction stir spot welding of SPCC low carbon steel plates at extremely low welding temperature

Friction stir spot welding(FSSW) was applied to 2.0 mm thick steel plate cold-rolled commercial(SPCC)low carbon steel plates at a very low rotation speed that ranged from 5 to 50 rpm, which was much lower than that generally used for the conventional FSSW technique. Due to the very low heat input, the welding processes could therefore be completed at a peak welding temperature below 160℃. As a result,a significantly refined microstructure with an average grain size of about 0.41 μm was formed in the stir zone of the joints and the J1{0–11}-211 and J2{1–10}-1–12 shear textures were the dominant components, which are different from the D1{11–2}111 and D2{-1–12}111 shear textures formed in the conventional FSSW joints. In addition, no heat affected zone could be detected along the crosssectional plane of the joints. Although a few void-like non-bonded areas were still observed along the interface between the upper and lower steel plates, the shear tensile loads of the joints increased to about 10.0 kN when welded at a condition of 8 t, 20 rpm and 30s, and the joints fractured through the plug failure mode.     

Ultrasonic spot welding of aluminium to steel for automotive applications—microstructure and optimisation

Energy efficient methods for joining aluminium to steel have potential for major applications in the automobile industry. Results are reported where 1 mm gauge 6111 aluminium and DC04 steel automotive sheet have been successfully joined using the novel process of high power ultrasonic spot welding. The microstructure and performance of the joints were examined, as a function of the welding conditions. A maximum failure load of 2·8 kN was obtained in lap shear tests, compared with 2·9 kN for comparable AI-AI joints. The failure mode changed from interfacial debonding to nugget pullout and back to interfacial failure as the weld energy increased. A thin <2 μm reaction layer of FeAI₃ and Fe₂Al₅ formed at the interface with increasing weld energy. The factors determining the joint characteristics, interface reaction, and the microstructure evolution in the welds are discussed.     

A new current measurement method in resistance spot welding

A method of measuring the high current in resistance welding processes is investigated. A measuring unit is developed by using a strain gage attached on the outer surface of a steel ring. The steel ring is placed around a section of the secondary loop of the welding machine and is deformed by electromagnetic forces induced by the high welding current. The circumferential constituent of the ring deformation is then used to obtain a signal voltage proportional to the secondary welding current. The strain gage signal of ring deformation is enough to determine the welding current in resistance spot welding, especially when direct current is used for the welding     

双电极奥氏体不锈钢焊条单弧焊工艺研究

本文研究了双电极奥氏体不锈钢焊条单弧焊电弧的静特性、焊接电流、电弧电压、焊芯间隙对双电极焊条单弧焊的工艺性能和焊缝成形的影响;通过热电偶测试技术,对双电极焊条单弧焊焊接过程中不同部位焊芯表面温升进行了测定.研究结果表明焊芯直径为φ4.0mm的双电极A102焊条,其合适焊接工艺参数为:焊接电流140～160A,电弧电压45V左右,焊条两芯间隙1.2～1.5mm,焊接板厚8mm的1Cr18Ni9Ti材料,焊缝成形良好.     

Experimental investigation of deformation and jetting during impact spot welding

A test setup is described for investigating flyer plate deformation during impact spot welding. High speed photography is used to study the dynamics of bulge formation, spark growth, and projectile illumination during primary and secondary impact of flat-ended projectiles. It is suggested that fragmentation of the spark is due to inter-metallic jetting. Measurements on collision angle β and collision front velocity are reported for several metal plate combinations.     

Liquid metal embrittlement during resistance spot welding of Zn-coated high-strength steels

Liquid Zn-assisted embrittlement during resistance spot welding of Zn-coated high strength steels induces risks of surface cracking. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review on the surface crack evolution due to liquid metal embrittlement during spot welding. Several aspects of cracking have been discussed such as macroscopic and microscopic features of liquid Zn-assisted cracks, prevalent crack locations in spot welds, sensitivity to welding conditions, and susceptibility of different types of steels and Zn-based coatings. Subsequently, the influence of governing factors like temperature, stress, microstructure, and nature of coating are presented by correlating thermo-mechanical studies with actual spot welding investigations on Zn-coated steels. Finally, the possible mechanisms of embrittlement are discussed and suitable methods to suppress surface crack formation during spot welding are suggested.

This is the winning review of the 2018 Materials Literature Review Prize of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, run by the Editorial Board of MST. Sponsorship of the prize by TWI Ltd is gratefully acknowledged.     

Flat friction stir spot welding of low carbon steel by double side adjustable tools

2 mm low carbon steel plates were successfully welded by the flat friction stir spot welding(FSSW) using double side adjustable tools, by which the keyhole formed in the conventional FSSW was eliminated and a flat surface on both the top and bottom sides of the welded joints was obtained. In addition, the hook shape usually generated in the conventional FSSW was eliminated by this technique, and the unbonded interface was parallel to the surface of the sheets. Owing to the enlarged bonded interface width by eliminating the keyhole and the intermixed interface by the adjustable probe, the plug fracture occurred under all the welding conditions in the present study. Due to the suppression of the thickness thinning and elimination of the hook shape, the joint performance was improved in the plug fracture mode. The shear tensile performance was considered to strongly depend on the microstructure in the tip area of the unbonded interface and the maximum shear fracture load of 23.0 kN was achieved in this study.     

Local melting and tool slippage during friction stir spot welding of Al-alloys

Local melting and tool slippage during friction stir spot welding of different Al-alloy base materials is examined using a combination of detailed microscopy and temperature measurement. The stir zone peak temperature during welding is limited by either the solidus of the alloy in question or by spontaneous melting of intermetallic particles contained in the as-received base material. When spontaneous melting occurs this facilitates tool slippage at the contact interface. Accurate stir zone temperature and grain size measurements are essential elements when estimating the strain rate using the Zener–Hollomon relation. In Al 2024 and Al 7075 spot welds spontaneous melting of second-phase particles produces a drastic reduction in strain rate values. In Al 5754 and Al 6061 spot welds there is a strong correlation between tool rotational speed and estimated strain values. Local melted films dissolve rapidly in the high temperature stir zone and when the spot weld cools to room temperature following welding. Evidence of local melting is observed in Al 7075 friction stir spot welded joints made using a combination of rapid quenching, high plunge rates, and extremely short dwell time settings.     

Tool penetration during friction stir spot welding of Al and Mg alloys

The mechanism of tool penetration during friction stir spot welding of Al-alloy and Mg-alloy sheet materials is investigated and is explained as a progression of wear events, from mild wear to severe wear and then to melt wear in material beneath the base of the rotating pin. Melt wear can also occur under the rotating tool shoulder provided that sufficient penetration of the upper sheet occurs during the spot welding operation. The highest temperatures attained during FSW spot welding of Al 6111 and AZ91 base materials are close to the solidus temperatures of each base material and correspond with 0.94T_s (Al 6111) and 0.99 T_s (AZ91) where T_s is the solidus temperature of the material in degrees Kelvin.     

Interfacial characterization of joint between mild steel and aluminum alloy welded by resistance spot welding

The interfacial characteristics of resistance spot welded steel–aluminum alloy joint have been investigated using electron microscopy. The results reveal that reaction product FeAl₃ is generated in the peripheral region of the weld while a reaction layer consisting of Fe₂Al₅ adjacent to steel and FeAl₃ adjacent to aluminum alloy forms in the central region of the weld, and that the morphology and thickness of the reaction layer vary with the position at the welding interface.     

Resistance spot welding of AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel: Phase transformations and mechanical properties

The paper aims at investigating the process–microstructure–performance relationship in resistance spot welding of AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel. The phase transformations which occur during weld thermal cycle were analyzed in details, based on the physical metallurgy of welding of the ferritic stainless steels. It was found that the microstructure of the fusion zone and the heat affected zone is influenced by different phenomena including grain growth, martensite formation and carbide precipitation. The effects of welding cycle on the mechanical properties of the spot welds in terms of peak load, energy absorption and failure mode are discussed.     

Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium–zinc-coated steel joints made by a modified metal inert gas welding–brazing process

The microstructure and properties of aluminium–zinc coated steel lap joints made by a modified metal inert gas CMT welding–brazing process was investigated. It was found that the nature and the thickness of the high-hardness intermetallic compound layer which formed at the interface between the steel and the weld metal during the welding process varied with the heat inputs. From the results of tensile tests, the welding process is shown to be capable of providing sound aluminium–zinc coated steel joints.     

Interface structure and bonding in abrasion circle friction stir spot welding: A novel approach for rapid welding aluminium alloy to steel automotive sheet

Aluminium alloy 6111-T4 and steel DC04 1 mm sheets have been successfully welded with a cycle time <1 s by “Abrasion circle friction spot welding”, a novel approach to joining dissimilar materials. This was achieved by using a probe tool translated through a circular path to abrade the steel sheet. It is shown that successful welds can be produced between these two weld members with a cycle time of less than one second, that exhibit very high failure loads and a nugget pullout fracture mode desired by industry. Transmission electron microscopy investigation of the joint interface revealed no intermetallic reaction layer. The weld formation mechanisms are discussed.