Joining of ultra-high-strength steels using resistance element welding on conventional resistance spot welding guns

Single-step joining of dissimilar material combinations between ultra-high-strength steels and high-strength aluminium alloys with sufficient mechanical joint properties by using conventional resistance spot welding equipment has not been reported yet. In this research paper, a novel single-step joining technology, so-called self-penetrating resistance element welding, is introduced. First, the motivation for this novel joining technology, the state of the art in joining, and the process characteristics are presented. In the results section, the welding rivet geometry is first determined using forming simulations and validated by head tensile tests. Followed by the description of the welding process and its characteristics, the mechanical joint properties are reported. The results show that a numerically optimised welding rivet geometry can guarantee sufficient joint strength. By this welding rivet geometry, a thermally assisted penetration of aluminium and therefore welding to steel is possible with and without adhesive. Furthermore, it is shown that the welding process can be designed by means of simulations. Finally, the shear tensile tests prove that an overall sufficient joint strength is ensured.