Title: Electrode life in resistance spot welding of zinc plated steel sheets

Authors: Y. Tanaka, M. Sakaguchi, H. Shirasawa, M. Miyahara, S. Nomara

Addresses: Kakogowa Works, Kobe Steel Ltd, Kakogowa City, Japan. ' Kakogowa Works, Kobe Steel Ltd, Kakogowa City, Japan. ' Kakogowa Works, Kobe Steel Ltd, Kakogowa City, Japan. ' Kakogowa Works, Kobe Steel Ltd, Kakogowa City, Japan. ' Kakogowa Works, Kobe Steel Ltd, Kakogowa City, Japan

Abstract: Spot weld electrode life was investigated for various types of 0.8mm thick zinc plated steel sheets which are now widley used in automotive industry. The results were discussed from the point of view of chemical compositions of the plated layer in order to find the desirable zinc plated steel sheet which ensures long electrode life. Electrode life was defined as the number of welds until nugget diameter decreased to 4.5mm in continuous spot welding with 6mm∅ dome type Cu-1%Cr electrode at each fixed welding condition. As a result, the plated sheet steel with nickel in plated layer showed a relativly long life. This efficent effect of nickel was confirmed by an additional spot welding test and investigation of zinc diffusion in the electrode.

Keywords: electrode life; resistance spot welding; welding efficency; zinc diffusion; electrodes; zinc plated steel sheets; automotive welding; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1987.036784

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1987 Vol.2 No.1, pp.64 - 74

Published online: 07 Nov 2010 *

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