Spot Welding
Questions and Answers
Aluminum is a very conductive material. Therefore we know that it has a low resistance. If we look at Joules Law:
To generate heat, if the resistance is small the heat will have to come from either more current or time. In general numbers, low carbon steel will resistance welds at 10,000 amps. Aluminum resistance welds at 35,000 amps. This is a very high current for the electrode material to conduct. Therefor you would always select the most conductive copper alloy available. Class 1 is the material of choice for welding aluminum. Class 1 is a Copper Zirconium alloy. Its Alloy ID is C15000.
Standard full size electrode designs are specified by the Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance – RWMA. These designs can be found in the RWMA Resistance Welding Manual. The RWMA standard sizes are #4, #5, #6 and #7. These sizes represent full size electrodes with body dimensions of 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4” and 7/8” diameter respectively. These electrodes can be purchased in RWMA Class 1, 2 or 3 materials. RWMA face configurations A, B, C, D, E and F are standard. Full size electrodes are stocked in sizes 4, 5, & 6 in most Classes of material and nose designs. Size 7 is available is some configurations. Full size electrodes are available in overall lengths from 1to 4”.
Standard female cap designs are specified by the Resistance Welding Manufacturers Alliance – RWMA. These designs can be found in the RWMA Resistance Welding Manual. The standard sizes are #4, #5 and #6. These sizes represent female cap electrodes with body sizes of ½”, 5/8” and ¾” Diameter body sizes respectively. These electrodes can be purchased in RWMA Class 1, 2 or 3 materials. RWMA Face configurations A, B, C, D, E and F are standard. Female caps are stocked in these sizes and are usually available from stock in most standard nose configurations.
Standard male cap designs are specified by the Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance – RWMA. These designs can be found in the RWMA Resistance Welding Manual. The standard sizes are #4, #5 and #6. These sizes represent male cap electrodes with body sizes of ½”, 5/8” and ¾” Diameter body sizes respectively. Caps can be purchased in RWMA Class 1, 2 or 3 materials. RWMA Face configurations A, B, C, D, E and F are standard. Male caps are stocked in these sizes and are usually available from stock in most standard nose configurations.
The most stocked electrode taper sizes are RWMA #4 and #5. These sizes are readily available in either full size electrodes or male and female caps. In these sizes most standard face sizes A-pointed, B-dome, C-flat, D-offset, E-truncated & F-radius are stocked.
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