Spot Welding
Questions and Answers
Welding guns use special copper alloy arms/adapters which function as electrode holders. They attach to the gun on one end and have a cap taper at the other for the electrode. They are frequently called cap adapters.
Repeat or pulsing refers to repeating the weld and hold portion of a weld schedule. Normally there is a very short off period of one or two cycles with continued application of force between the two weld sequences. This gives you the ability to dissipate the heat energy a little further into the part away from the center of the weld nugget.
Aluminum has a tendency to form voids or cracks in the weld nugget as it solidifies. These voids are generally not desirable. In many cases this condition can be improved with good force follow up or application of a secondary forging force near the end of the weld cycle.
Squeeze is the first segment of the weld schedule. It’s function is to apply force on the work pieces to bring them together. This pressure under the face of the electrode in turn makes good electrical contact and controls and contains the resultant weld nugget during the weld and hold portion of the weld cycle. If current is applied prematurely before the proper force has been reached these functions will be compromised and expulsion and poor nuggets should be expected.
Offset holders are designed to allow one to reach into or over something on the part. They are designed to withstand most welding forces with very little flexing. Offset holders should be used in machines and set ups to minimize any other bending forces.
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