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Converting the pneumatic to servo-based system in resistance spot welding: Analyzing the electrode caps deformation

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture

Published online on

Abstract

In this experimental research, the electrode caps are investigated for deterioration under the resistance spot welding technology. The research was fundamentally conducted using two different electrode actuation systems to understand the wear and tear factors of electrode caps. A Japanese model 75 kVA pedestal, alternating current waveform of spot welder, was engaged to carry out the welding processes up to 900 welding attempts on pneumatic system. Subsequently, it was converted into servo-based electrode actuating systems and repeated the entire welding processes. The carbon and stainless steel sheets are primarily used to weld in this experiment. The electrode caps are then sharpened by CDK-R dresser to remove the mushroom growth which has regularly been induced for every 400 welding attempts. As for the macrograph and micrograph observations, the electrode caps are measured for diameter growth of electrode caps as well as the copper-to-chromium ratio. The chromium content has been significantly reduced at the electro tip areas due to the direct expose of heat generation which becomes a regular phenomenon in both the systems. However, the results from servo-based system are deemed to be offering lower tendency of wear and tear factors when compared to the pneumatic-based system.