Method of making and/or using copper based electrodes to spot-weld aluminum
US6144006A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/10
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for spot-welding aluminum workpieces with copper electrodes that comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving copper and one or more alloying elements X to yield an alloy that increases the liquidus of Al when dissolved in molten Al, super heating the alloy of copper and one or more elements X that normally have little or nor solubility in copper at room temperature, such super heating being a temperature at which X is soluble in copper, X being selected from the group of Mo, Ta, V, and W, elements that form monotectic or peritectic phases with copper and aluminum devoid of an eutectic, X being present in an amount of 4-15% by weight of the copper; (b) rapidly cooling the alloy to room temperature to retain such elements in solid solution; (c) either concurrently or subsequent to step (b), forming the alloy as an electrode shape; and (d) passing current through the electrode shape to effect spot-welding of the aluminum workpieces when pressed thereagainst while extending the welding life of the electrode. Super heating and rapid cooling may be carried out by atomizing a melt of Cu and X with a pressurized gas that directs the spray onto a target for further cooling and eventual …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.