Spot welding is an incredible form of welding used in factories, manufacturing plants and workshops around the world. Did you know that 95% of the automotive industry relies on spot welding to join body panels and parts to complete vehicles? By using spot welding, over
2 billion vehicles have been produced worldwide since the beginning of the 20th century. In short, spot welding or resistance spot welding is a process used to join two conductive metals together.
But have you ever wondered what spot welding is used for? Read on to discover the various uses of spot welding in the industrial manufacturing industry and beyond.
What is Spot Welding?
Spot welding is a resistance welding process used to join two pieces of metal together by applying a combination of pressure and current. It is a quick, effective and durable way to join metal components.Spot welding is used extensively in the manufacturing of automotive components and assemblies.
How Does Spot Welding Work?
Spot welding works by applying a combination of heat and pressure to two pieces of metal. The heat and pressure cause tiny dots of resistance at the surface of the metals, which join the two pieces together. The pressure is applied for a fraction of a second, and the heat is generated by a current passing through the metal’s resistance.
What Materials Can Be Spot Welded?
Spot welding is primarily used on thin sheet metal components and assemblies.It is an effective way to join steels and aluminum alloys. Spot welding can also be used on other metals such as copper, nickel and brass.
Advantages of Spot Welding
- Cost-effective: Spot welding is more economical than other welding processes.
- High speed: Spot welding can be completed quickly.
- Durability: Spot welds are very strong and can last a long time.
- Automation: Spot welding can be automated with special machines.
- Clean: Spot welding produces very little smoke and sparks.
Disadvantages Of Spot Welding
- Limited thickness: Spot welding can only be used on material up to a certain thickness.
- Time consuming: Spot welding is slower than other welding processes.
- High current required: Spot welding requires high amperage.
- Cleaning: Metal components must be cleaned before spot welding.