Resistance Welding-Definition, Main Parts, Types,

Working Process Diagram, Application, PDF

learnmechanical.com/resistance-welding/

Amrit Kumar

Page Contents

Resistance Welding Definition:

Resistance Welding Working Principle / Diagram / Process:
Resistance Welding Equipment / Parts :
Resistance Welding Working:
Defects, Application, Advantages, and Disadvantages of Resistance Welding:

Resistance Welding Definition:

Resistance welding is one of the oldest of the electric welding process is used by
industry today. The weld is made by the combination of the heat, pressure and time.
All resistance welding spot welding, seam welding, projection welding, etc. are
worked on the same principle of heat generation due to electric resistance.

Resistance Welding Working Principle / Diagram / Process:

When a current passes through an electric resistance, it produces heat.

This is the same principle which is used in the electric coil.

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The amount of heat produced depends on the resistance of the material, surface
conditions, a current supplied, time duration of current supplied, etc.

This heat generation takes place due to the conversion of electric energy into thermal
energy. The current is the same in the whole circuit.

Heat is proportional to the product of resistance by the square of the current and by time.

therefor The heat generation equation is (H=I2Rt).

Where,

H=Heat generated in joules.

I=Current in amperes (Amps).
R=Resistance in omes.
T=flow time of the current in seconds.
The highest Heat is developed where the resistance is at its maximum, exactly
where it is needed for this process.

Resistance Welding Equipment / Parts :

Initiating Switch:

To start the welding process or supply the power for welding, first, we switch on.

Timer:

The initiation switch is connected to the timer and from the timer, this is connected to two
other devices contractor point and AC power supply there switch gets on.

Contractor Point:

Contractor points work like the connection between AC power and Step down
transformer. This works as an intermediate switch.

Primary Winding:

Here voltages are more which is further decreased in the step-down transformer.

Step Down Transformer:

The step-down transformer work is to reduce the voltage in the secondary winding as
compared to the primary winding.

Secondary winding:

The secondary winding is connected to the step-down transformer for receiving the power
for the electrode and also to reduce their electrical resistance between them.

Electrode:

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An electrode is a conductor through which the current passes and here this is used for
making the joint between two workpieces.

Air Valve:

Air is coming through the port and this air further utilized for making pressure.

Pneumatic Cylinder:

This is used for supplying the pressure by the use of the air valve.

Resistance Welding Working:

The main requirement of the process is the low voltage and high current power supply.

This is obtained by means of a step-down Transformer with a provision to have different

tapping on the primary side, as required for different materials.

The secondary windings are connected to the electrodes which are made of copper to
reduce their electrical resistance.

The time of the Electric Supply needs to be closely controlled so that the heat released is
just enough to melt the joint and the subsequent fusion takes place due to the force
(Forge welding) on the joint.

The force required can be provided either mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically as

shown in the figure.

To precisely control the time sophisticated electronic timers are available.

resistance welding

The critical variable in the resistance welding process is the contact resistance between
the two workpiece plates and their resistance themselves.

The contact resistance is affected by the surface finish on the plate since the rougher
surface has higher contact resistance.

The contact resistance also will be affected by the cleanliness of the surface.

Oxides or other contaminants if present, should be removed before attempting resistance

welding.

Resistance Welding Types:

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Group Welding Process Letter
designation

Resistance Flash welding High-frequency Resistance FW HFRW PEW

Percussion Projection Resistance-seam Resistance- RPW PEW
spot Upset welding RESW UW

Defects, Application, Advantages, and Disadvantages of

Resistance Welding:

Defects in Resistance Welding:

Cracks
Electrode deposit on work
Porosity or cavities
Pinholes
The electrode indentation
Improper weld penetration

Application:
The main application of this welding is for lap joint and there are others too.

Advantages of Resistance Welding:

Capable of a high degree of process control
Capable of a high degree of mechanization
Good Mechanical properties
high-speed welding
Easily automated
Suitable for high rate production
Economical

Disadvantages of Resistance Welding:

High equipment and tooling costs.
Limitation of joint design requirements
Initial equipment costs
Lower tensile and fatigue strength
Irregularly shaped welds

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