Resistance welding is a type of electric welding process that joins materials together by applying heat generated from the resistance to electric current flow at the interface of the materials being joined. It is widely used in various industries for its efficiency, speed, and reliability in creating strong, durable welds. There are several different types of resistance welding processes, each with its own characteristics and applications. Here are some of the most common types:
Spot Welding: Spot welding is the most widely used form of resistance welding. It is commonly used to join overlapping sheets of metal, such as in automotive manufacturing for joining body panels. Two copper alloy electrodes are brought into contact with the workpieces, and a high current is passed through them. The resistance at the contact point generates heat, causing the metal to melt and form a weld nugget.
Projection Welding: Projection welding is similar to spot welding, but it involves the use of raised projections on one of the workpieces. These projections concentrate the current and heat, creating a weld at each projection. This type of welding is used for parts with specific shapes, like fasteners, nuts, or bolts.
Seam Welding: Seam welding involves rolling two overlapping sheets of metal between two rotating copper alloy wheels, which act as electrodes. A continuous current flows through the wheels, creating a continuous weld along the seam. It is often used in the production of pipes, tubes, and tanks.
Flash Butt Welding: Flash butt welding is used to join two similar or dissimilar metal workpieces end-to-end. The ends of the workpieces are brought into contact, and a high current is passed through them, causing the material to heat up. The heated material is then rapidly displaced (or "flashed") away, leaving behind a clean weld joint.
Upset Butt Welding: Upset butt welding is similar to flash butt welding but is typically used for smaller workpieces. The ends of the workpieces are heated by passing a high current through them, and then they are forced together, creating a solid weld joint.
Butt Welding: In butt welding, two flat surfaces of workpieces are placed in contact and subjected to electric current, causing them to heat up and fuse together. This is commonly used in wire and rod manufacturing.
Resistance welding offers advantages such as speed, minimal distortion, and the ability to automate the process. However, it is typically limited to materials that are good conductors of electricity, such as metals. The process requires precise control of factors like current, time, and pressure to achieve consistent and high-quality welds. It's worth noting that advancements in technology and materials continue to influence and refine resistance welding techniques, making them even more versatile and effective in various industries.