Some Contributions to the Optimization of MIG Spot Welding of Aluminum Alloys

Abstract:

In the context of some problems noticed by the business environment regarding the quality and costs of welding aluminum components, some experimental research was carried out on the efficiency of applying MIG spot welding, using improved equipment and working regimes. A new technical solution is proposed for joining thin aluminum plates using MIG spot welding instead of resistance spot welding. Therefore, the research was guided in studying the influence of two main parameters – specific to the MIG welding process – on the quality of welded joints. According to the obtained experimental results, in the paper is highlighted that MIG spot welding could be a viable alternative to resistance spot welding of thin aluminum plates, but just then when some important conditions are fulfilled. The paper also contains some practical recommendations for specialists working in this operational field.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1095)
• Pages: 111-118
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-71eHuX
• Online since: August 2023
• Authors: Safta Voicu-Ioan*, Gabriela-Victoria Mnerie, Mnerie Dumitru
• Keywords: Aluminium Alloy, Efficiency, MIG Spot Welding, Quality, Working Regimes

References

[1] A. Lang, MIG-Schweißen von Aluminum, (2020),https://www.weka.de/elektrosicherheit/mig-schweissen-von-aluminium/

[2] K. Shibata, T. Iwase, H. Sakamoto, F.H. Dausinger, B. Hohenberger, M. Mueller, N. Seto, Process stabilization by dual focus laser welding of aluminum alloys for car body. Laser Processing of Advanced Materials and Laser Microtechnologies, (2003)

DOI: 10.1117/12.515627

[3] A. Ambroziak, M. Korzeniowski, Using Resistance Spot Welding for Joining Aluminum elements in automotive industry. Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, 10(1), (2010), 5-13.

DOI: 10.1016/s1644-9665(12)60126-5

[4] Y. Muraoka, H. Miyaoka, Development of an all-aluminum automotive body. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 38(4), (1993), 655-674.

DOI: 10.1016/0924-0136(93)90042-5

[5] Y. Zhang, H. Shan, Y. Li, J. Guo, Z. Luo, C.Y. Ma, Joining aluminum alloy 5052 sheets via novel hybrid resistance spot clinching process. Materials & Design, 118, (2017), 36-43

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.01.017

[6] O.O. Oladimeji, E. Taban, Trend and innovations in laser beam welding of wrought aluminum alloys. Welding in the World, 60(3), (2016), 415-457

DOI: 10.1007/s40194-016-0317-9

[7] L. Zhuang, J. Bottema, A. Wittebrood, P. De Smet, A. Haszler, A. Vieregge, Recent development in aluminum alloys for the automotive industry. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 280(1), (2000), 37-49.

DOI: 10.1016/s0921-5093(99)00653-x

[8] V.I. Safta, V.I. Safta, Technological and resistance tests of welded or glued joints, Ed. Sudura, Timisoara, (2006), ISBN 973-8359-38-4

[9] Mircea Burcă, Stelian Negoițescu, Sudarea MIG/MAG -Editura Sudura, (2004)

[10] V.I. Safta, D. Mnerie, G.V. Mnerie, Some Peculiarities of MIG-MAG Welding Processes with Concentrated Energies, Key Engineering Materials, Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland ISSN: 1662-9795, Vol. 890, (2020), 3-8

DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.890.3

[11] L. M. Santana, U.F.H. Suhuddin, M.H. Ölscher, T.R. Strohaecker, J.F. dos Santos, Process optimization and microstructure analysis in refill friction stir spot welding of 3-mm-thick Al-Mg-Si aluminum alloy. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 92(9-12), (2017), 4213-4220

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-017-0432-9

[12] S.M. Manladan, F. Yusof, S. Ramesh, M. Fadzil, Z. Luo, S. Ao, A review on resistance spot welding of aluminum alloys. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 90(1-4), (2016), 605-634.

DOI: 10.1007/s00170-016-9225-9

[13] M. Tisza, I. Czinege, Comparative study of the application of steels and aluminum in lightweight production of automotive parts. International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture, (2018)

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlmm.2018.09.001

[14] * * * https://www.rehm-online.de/en/technology/welding-processes.html

[15] * * * www.isim.ro

[16] * * * Guide to MIG/MAG welding https://www.wilkinsonstar.com/, (2017), E&O.E. Wilkinson Star Ltd