External heat assisted welding of dissimilar metal workpieces
US10421148B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/20
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of resistance spot welding a workpiece stack-up that includes an aluminum workpiece and an adjacent overlapping steel workpiece is disclosed. The method uses a first welding electrode positioned proximate the aluminum workpiece and a second welding electrode positioned proximate the steel workpiece to effectuate the spot welding process. In an effort to positively affect the strength of the ultimately-formed weld joint, external heat may be supplied to the first welding electrode by an external heating source disposed in heat transfer relation with the first welding electrode either before or after, or both before or after, an electrical current is passed between the first and second welding electrodes to create a molten aluminum weld pool within the aluminum workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.