Effect of welding current on mechanical properties of galvanized chromided steel sheets in electrical resistance spot welding

In this study, the effect of welding current on the quality of weld joint and obviously on tensile-shear and tensile-peel strengths of galvanized chromate steel sheets having 1.2 mm thickness in electrical resistance spot welding was investigated. A timer and current controlled electrical resistance spot welding machine having 120 kVA capacity and pneumatic application mechanism with a single lever was used to prepare the specimens. Welding periods were chosen as 5, 10, 12 and 15 cycles and also welding currents were increased from 4 kA up to 12 kA by rise of 1 kA. The electrode force was kept constant at 6 kN. The prepared welding specimens were exposed to tensile-shear and tensile-peel tests and the obtained results were supported by diagrams and, finally, appropriate welding parameters were advised to the users.