Process Parameters for Gas Melting & Galvanized Steel Plate Spot Welding
The spot welding process is used to connect surfaces in sheet metal components as well as creating a structural joint. The most commonly spot welded material is galvanized steel, which can be joined very quickly for almost any purpose. However, due to the high temperatures of the metal and the heat generated through the welding arc, it is important to understand some parameters of the process which are most suitable for gas melting & galvanized steel plate spot welding.
In general, the welding current can range from 300-2000 Amps, depending on the thickness of the plate, while the voltage and welding time should be based on the thickness of the material being welded. Depending on the plate thickness, each weld typically requires 1-3 seconds. As the welding current increases, lower voltages can be used as the arc is typically more stable. A proper weld will appear shiny at the edges and the weld and the base metal will stick together.
The electrode force (or electrode pressure) is an important parameter for achieving a good welding quality as it controls the surface contact area. The most suitable electrode force also depends on the thickness of the material. To ensure a proper welding, it must be adjusted accordingly.
In addition to current, voltage, welding time and electrode force, the type of weld and the shielding gas used should also be taken into consideration. Gas melting requires an inert gas to be used, such as carbon dioxide, argon and nitrogen. This helps to improve the quality of the weld and prevent surface oxidation. For gas melting & Galvanized steel plate spot welding, it is best to use either a spray transfer or globular transfer process. For spray transfer, the most commonly used gases are helium and argon, while for globular transfer, it is recommended to use Argon/hydrogen or a full-argon gas blend.
Finally, the welding process should always be conducted with proper protection. The use of protective clothing and eyewear is strongly recommended. Additionally, the working environment should be clean and ventilated to ensure a good weld quality.
In conclusion, gas melting and spot welding for galvanized steel sheet can be a very effective and economical process for most welding applications. However, it is important to understand and adjust the various process parameters based on the type of material and thickness being welded. This will ensure a safe and high-quality weld.
