An Optimization Study on Resistance Spot Welding of DP600 Sheet Steel via Experiment and Statistical Analysis

Abstract

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) is widely used in many automotive, boiler, and ship manufacturing industries. Therefore, the optimization and effectiveness of the RSW process are very useful and cost-efficient processes in addition to improving weld quality. This study used various welding parameters to investigate the optimization of the RSW process of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). RSW was carried out using different welding times, currents, and electrode pressure values. Microstructural analysis, nugget formation, and tensile shear test were performed on samples. This study applied the Taguchi method and ANOVA to set up the welding process and optimize its results. Microstructural characterization showed that the weld nugget microstructures had a high-volume fraction of martensite. Using the Minitab software, Taguchi (DOE) and ANOVA on the tensile shear test results showed that welding current is more effective than clamping pressure on the tensile shear load-bearing capacity (TLBC). However, clamping pressure affects the weld current effects on weld performance. Additionally, the TLBC of RSW samples increases, whereas increasing the clamping pressure leads to a decrease in TLBC and nugget dimensions. Consequently, a detailed analysis of the RSW coefficients and their effects led to optimized results.