Similar and dissimilar resistance spot weldability of galvanised DP1000 and TWIP980 steels

Similar and dissimilar combinations of a 1000?MPa galvanised dual phase (DP) steel and a 980?MPa twining-induced plasticity (TWIP) steel were resistance spot welded under different welding parameters. The microstructure, expulsion situation, nugget size and mechanical properties of spot welds were evaluated systematically. The results showed that the differences of microstructure and chemical compositions caused that the weld nugget hardness increases in the order of TWIP/TWIP, DP/TWIP and DP/DP. The lower melting point and heat conductivity of the TWIP steel and the lower electric resistance of the zinc coat on the DP steel caused that the expulsion occurring current increased in the order of TWIP/TWIP, DP/TWIP and DP/DP and under the same welding condition the nugget diameter increased in the order of DP/DP, DP/TWIP and TWIP/TWIP. Furthermore, the tensile shear failure mode and location depends on the nugget size, microstructure and hardness distribution of spot weld.     

Influence of microstructure and weld size on the mechanical behaviour of dissimilar AHSS resistance spot welds

Abstract

Resistance spot welds were produced in dissimilar combinations of advanced high strength steels. A 600 MPa dual phase (DP) steel was welded to a high strength low alloy, a 780 MPa DP, and a 780 MPa transformation induced plasticity steel. The microstructure and mechanical properties were characterised using metallurgical techniques and lap shear and cross-tension testing. The results show that a pullout failure mode with improved mechanical properties is obtained when DP600 is paired with other advanced high strength steels, compared to the DP600 welded to itself, which is prone to interfacial failure and poor mechanical properties, given the same weld size. An in depth comparison of the interfacial to pullout failure transition in similar DP600 and DP780 and dissimilar DP600–DP780 welds was performed. The results show that the interfacial to pullout transition for the DP600–DP780 welds is significantly lower than with DP600 welded to itself. Increased fusion zone strength through dilution with the DP780 promotes button pullout at smaller weld sizes. Furthermore, it was observed that softening in the heat affected zone of DP780 promoted a pullout failure mode in that material.     

快速冷却对DP1000双相钢激光焊接接头性能的影响

激光焊接DP1000双相先进高强钢的过程中,普遍存在焊接热影响区的软化现象,热影响区的软化严重影响了焊接结构的成形和使用性能. 为了能提高焊接接头的成形和使用性能,采用快速冷却的方式来改善其焊接热影响区的软化问题. 通过拉伸试验、显微硬度测试、扫描电镜和光学显微镜等手段对比研究了1.5 mm厚DP1000双相钢板有无快速冷却的焊接接头中组织和性能的变化. 结果表明,在快速冷却条件下,激光焊接DP1000双相钢的接头热影响区软化区较空冷焊接的窄,软化现象有所改善,强度和塑性均有所提高.     

Microstructures and properties of friction stir spot welded DP590 dual phase steel sheets

DP590 steel sheets were joined by friction stir spot welding using polycrystalline cubic boron nitride tool with an objective to produce bond diameters similar to conventional spot welding nuggets. A range of spindle rotation (400–2400 rev min^?1) and plunge speeds (0·03–3·8 mm s^?1) were exercised to attain defect free welds in 1·6 mm thick sheets. A bond diameter of 4t^1/2, alike minimum nugget diameter criteria for resistance spot welds, resulted in superior mechanical properties than conventional spot welds. The heat inputs corresponding to different welding parameters influenced the weld microstructure, including grain size, phases and their morphology. The bond diameter was higher for higher heat inputs. However, low heat input welds with weld time cycles ～4 s produced more refined microstructure and exhibited similar strengths even with reduced bond size. Plug type failure was associated with larger bond diameters (～7·1 mm), while interfacial failure was observed with smaller welds (～5·4 mm).     

Two-pass laser welding of galvanized high-strength dual-phase steel for a zero-gap lap joint configuration

A welding procedure based on using two-pass laser scans is introduced for joining overlapped galvanized high-strength steel sheets. The first pass is based on a defocused laser spot that scans across the top of the overlapped sheets and heats the zinc coating at the faying surface to be melted and vaporized, while the second pass is executed with a focused laser spot in order to perform the welding. Completely defect-free welds were obtained by using this two-pass laser welding procedure. An on-line machine vision system and a spectrometer were applied to analyze the stability of the laser welding process. An energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was carried out to determine the atomic percent of zinc and iron of the DP980 coupons. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the welds. The experimental results show that the weld joints obtained by the two-pass laser welding approach have a higher failure value than those obtained by a single pass laser welding of galvanized steel with mechanically removed zinc at the faying surface under the same welding speed and laser power.     

Welding behaviour,microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar resistance spot welds between galvannealed HSLA350 and DP600 steels

Abstract

Resistance spot welding experiments were conducted on dissimilar material combination of HSLA350/DP600 steels. The welds were characterised using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The fusion zone of the dissimilar material spot weld was predominantly martensitic with some bainite. Mechanical properties were also determined by tensile shear, cross tension and fatigue tests. The performance of dissimilar material spot weld was different from that of the similar ones in each of the HSLA350 and DP600 steels and exhibited different heat affected zone hardness. The DP600 weld properties played a dominating role in the microstructure and tensile properties of the dissimilar material spot welds. However, the fatigue performance of the dissimilar welds was similar to that of the HSLA350 welds. Fatigue tests on the dissimilar material spot welds showed that the 5·5 mm diameter nugget exhibited higher fatigue strength than the 7·5 mm diameter nugget.     

Failure mode transition and mechanical properties of similar and dissimilar resistance spot welds of DP600 and low carbon steels

Abstract

The present work addresses the microstructure and mechanical properties of similar and dissimilar resistance spot welds of low carbon steel (LCS) and dual phase steel (DP600). Correlations between the critical fusion zone size required to ensure pullout failure mode, the weld microstructure and the weld hardness characteristics were developed. Dissimilar DP600/LCS spot welds exhibit the lowest tendency to fail in interfacial failure mode. Effects of weld physical attributes and weld microstructure on the peak load and energy absorption of similar and dissimilar DP600/LCS resistance spot welds are analysed.     

焊接热输入对800MPa超级钢焊接接头组织性能的影响

对800 MPa超级钢不同焊接热输入作用下HAZ组织和性能进行了研究.结果表明,800 MPa超级钢在焊接热循环作用下HAZ晶粒明显长大,随着焊接热输入的增大,晶粒长大的趋势越显著;HAZ包含有超低碳贝氏体和细小铁素体等组织,过热区组织在焊接热循环的作用下变化明显,是断裂裂纹的发源地;不同焊接热输入下,整个HAZ的硬度...     

汽车用DP800双相钢点焊工艺窗口和接头性能

开展2.0 mm厚DP800双相钢的电阻点焊试验,测试DP800双相钢点焊工艺窗口,研究焊接电流、焊接时间、电极压力对焊点拉剪力的影响规律,并观察接头不同区域的微观组织。结果表明,DP800高强钢焊接性较好,点焊工艺窗口满足工业应用要求;随着焊接电流和焊接时间的增加,焊点直径和拉剪力先增加后趋于平稳;随着电极压力的增加,点焊直径和拉剪力先增加后减小;焊点热影响晶粒细小,由马氏体组织构成;焊核为典型的柱状晶,显微组织为马氏体和少量的贝氏体。     

In situ postweld heat treatment of transformation induced plasticity steel resistance spot welds

Transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel resistance spot welds are delicate to low-energy interfacial failure via crack propagation through martensitic fusion zone during cross-tension (CT) loading. This paper addresses the effect of three different types of in situ postweld heat treatment (PWHT) on the mechanical properties of TRIP steel resistance spot welds. Depending on the post weld second pulse current level, three different strengthening mechanisms were found including (i) martensite tempering with reduced hardness, (ii) refining of martensite packets with improved toughness and (iii) nugget re-melting/enlargement combined with possible reduction of grain boundary impurity segregation. All designed in situ PWHTs were enabled to promote pullout failure mode with improved load-bearing capacity and energy absorption capability during CT loading.     

Effect of joint configuration on resistance spot weldability of galvanised DP780 steel sheets

A 780?MPa galvanised dual phase (DP) steel was two-, three- and four-layer resistance spot welded under different welding parameters and joint configurations. The splash situation, nugget sizes and tensile shear properties of the spot welds were evaluated systematically. The results showed that the splash occurring current increased in the order of two-, three- and four-layer spot welds owing to the increasing metal volume for melting. The joint configuration had a great influence on the tensile shear properties of the spot welds. The three- and four-layer spot welds with proper joint configurations had better weld quality than the two-layer spot weld. Therefore, well designed multilayer spot welds could be used to replace the commonly used two-layer spot welds in actual production.     

Dissimilar spot welding of dual phase steel/ferritic stainless steel: phase transformations

Phase transformations in dissimilar resistance spot welds of dual phase steel and ferritic stainless steel are analysed. In contrast to a full martensitic microstructure predicted by the Schaeffler and Balmforth diagrams, a ferrite–martensite microstructure was observed in the fusion zone. The formation of ferrite phase in the fusion zone can be attributed to the rapid cooling rate of resistance spot welding, which suppresses the post-solidification ferrite–austenite transformation. The grain growth and martensite formation were main metallurgical features of the heat affected zone of ferritic stainless steel side. Microstructure gradient of heat affected zone in dual phase steel side was dictated by martensitic transformation. The effect of weld thermal cycle on the mechanical performance of the joint is discussed.     

点焊热镀锌双相高强度钢的电极磨损规律

热镀锌双相高强度钢是适应汽车轻量化与安全性需要而刚刚发展起来的一种新型板材,强度高,抗腐蚀性能好,但点焊时电极磨损严重,不确定性大,对焊点质量造成很大影响.首先确定了点焊强度为600 MPa的热镀锌双相钢的焊接性范围,然后根据焊接性范围确定焊接工艺参数进行电极磨损试验.研究了电极磨损时的电极表面形貌、轴向磨损、端面直径磨损的变化规律,分析了不同电极磨损阶段的轴向磨损对端面直径磨损的贡献率.结果表明初始焊接阶段电极磨损速率较大,点蚀加剧了电极磨损与失效.     

On formability of tailor laser welded blanks of DP/TRIP steel sheets

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the formability of tailor welded blanks of dual phase (DP600)/transformation induced plasticity (TRIP700) steel sheets. In this work, bead on plate butt joints of 2·5 mm DP600 and 1·2 mm TRIP700 steel sheets were performed using CO₂ laser beam welding. Microhardness measurements and transverse tensile testing were carried out to characterise the welds. The formability of base metals and welds were investigated by standard Erichsen test. In a perpendicular tensile test to the weld line, all specimens were fractured at the TRIP base metal, and the strengths were somewhat higher than those of base metal. There was a significant reduction in formability caused by welding of the DP600/TRIP700 steel sheets, and the formability increased with increasing welding speed.     

Joint formation in dissimilar Al alloy/steel and Mg alloy/steel friction stir spot welds

Abstract

The microstructural features and overlap shear strength properties of friction stir spot welds made between Al 6111 and low carbon steel, and between Mg alloy AM60 and DP600 dual phase steel, are investigated. When Al 6111 is the upper sheet in the dissimilar sandwich, completed spot welds show evidence of intermetallic layer formation and cracking. Increasing tool pin penetration into the lower sheet provided increased mechanical interlocking of the sheets due to clinching. However, increasing penetration also promoted intermetallic formation and cracking in completed welds. However, dissimilar AM60/DP600 steel friction stir spot welds produced with AM60 as the upper sheet in the dissimilar sandwich do not show evidence of intermetallic formation and cracking may be avoided by removing the zinc coating on the DP600 steel before the friction stir spot welding operation.     

Resistance and friction stir spot welding of DP600: a comparative study

Abstract

Efforts to reduce vehicle weight and improve crash performance have resulted in increased application of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) and a recent focus on the weldability of these alloys. Resistance spot welding (RSW) is the primary sheet metal welding process in the manufacture of automotive assemblies. Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) was invented as a novel method to spot welding sheet metal and has proven to be a potential candidate for spot welding AHSS. A comparative study of RSW and FSSW on spot welding AHSS has been completed. The objective of this work is to compare the microstructure and mechanical properties of Zn coated DP600 AHSS (1·2 mm thick) spot welds conducted using both processes. This was accomplished by examining the metallurgical cross-sections and local hardnesses of various spot weld regions. High speed data acquisition was also used to monitor process parameters and attain energy outputs for each process. Results show a correlation found among microstructure, failure loads, energy requirements and bonded area for both spot welding processes.     

Welding metallurgy of martensitic advanced high strength steels during resistance spot welding

The paper addresses the process–microstructure–performance relationships in resistance spot welding of a martensitic advanced high strength steel. Significant softening was observed in the heat affected zone (HAZ) due to allotriomorphic ferrite formation in the inter-critical HAZ and tempering of martensite in sub-critical HAZ (SCHAZ), with the latter plays more important role in mechanical properties of the spot welds. The strain concentration associated with the HAZ softening promotes initiation of pullout failure from the soft SCHAZ. While, the peak load in the interfacial failure mode is governed by the fusion zone size, that of the pullout mode is significantly affected by the HAZ softening. To improve weldability of martensitic steels, the HAZ softening should be minimised via modifications in welding process or steel chemistry.     

Effect of dynamic contact resistances on advanced high strength steels under medium frequency DC spot welding conditions

Abstract

The effect of dynamic contact resistance (DCR) during MFDC spot welding of dual phase and martensitic steels was evaluated. A comparative analysis of DP590 to DP590 with DP780 to DP780 steel welds, and DP780 to DP780 with M1200 to M1200 steels welds was carried out. The DCR of DP780 steel is higher than DP590 steel during the initial stages of weld time, but is reversed later. The bulk resistance component, which is higher in DP780 steel, is dominant and generates more energy early in the process and controls melting. Although the total energy input is almost same, the higher β-peak and its early occurrence ensures better heat utilisation resulting in larger nugget size. Contrarily, in martensitic steel the interface resistance component remains high throughout the entire welding process and compensates for the lower bulk resistance effect. Even with relatively lower energy input the nuggets produced in M1200 steel are comparable to DP780 steel.     

Application of the diode laser to welding on tailored blanks

Over recent years, one of the most interesting developments in the automotive industry has been the weight reduction of the automobile, thereby bringing about a reduction in fuel consumption. Among other requirements, automobile weight reduction and the maintenance of high performance levels necessitates the use of bodywork materials that have a high level of mechanical resistance. In this work, the authors present a study of the viability of using the diode laser to weld high-resistance steel sheets, more specifically microalloyed ferritic (ZStE) steel, dual phase (DP) steel and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel. All these steels are materials that can be employed to form part of 'tailored blanks', which are defined as parts made through the combination, by welding, of steel sheets of different qualities and thicknesses. In this study the authors examine the metallographic characteristics of welds beads and the mechanical behaviour of the welds obtained, carrying out tests on microhardness, drawing, tension and fatigue.     

低合金高强钢大热输入焊接热影响区组织性能

利用MMS-200热力模拟试验机研究了610 MPa级低合金高强度钢不同热输入焊接热影响区粗晶区(coarse grain high affected zone,CGHAZ)的组织和性能.结果表明,随着热输入的增加,试验钢CGHAZ组织逐渐粗大,低温冲击吸收功下降,但在80～100kJ/cm的大热输入冲击下,热影响区仍...