Resistance spot welding steel and aluminum workpieces with electrode insert
US9999939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2036 |
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 steel workpiece and an aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece together includes several steps. In one step a workpiece stack-up is provided. The workpiece stack-up includes a steel workpiece and an aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece. Another step involves providing a first welding electrode that confronts the aluminum workpiece, and providing a second welding electrode that confronts the steel workpiece. The first welding electrode has an electrode body and an insert that functions to limit or eliminate heat flux into the electrode body. Other steps of the method involve bringing the first and second welding electrodes into contact with opposite sides of the workpiece stack-up and resistance spot welding the stack-up.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.