CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

List of welding processes prevailing in the company

• Arc welding
• Inert Gas (CO2) welding
• Spot welding
• Stud Welding
• TIG Welding

1.1 ARC WELDING:

Arc welding is a type of welding that uses a welding power supply to create
an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the
welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and
consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region is usually protected
by some type of shielding gas, vapour, or slag. Arc welding processes may be
manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated. First developed in the early part of the
20th century, arc welding became commercially important in shipbuilding during
the Second World War. Today it remains an important process for the fabrication
of steel structures and vehicles.

1.2 METAL INERT GAS WELDING:

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding or metal active gas (MAG) welding, is a
welding process in which an electric arc forms between a
consumable wire electrode and the work piece metal(s), which heats the work

1
piece metal(s), causing them to melt, and join. Along with the wire electrode,
a shielding gas feeds through the welding gun, which shields the process from
contaminants in the air. The process can be semi-automatic or automatic. A
constant voltage, direct current power source is most commonly used with
GMAW, but constant current systems, as well as alternating current, can be used.
There are four primary methods of metal transfer in GMAW, called globular,
short-circuiting, spray, and pulsed-spray, each of which has distinct properties and
corresponding advantages and limitations.

1.3 TIG WELDING

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is an arc welding process that uses a non-
consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area is protected
from atmospheric contamination by an inert shielding gas(argon or helium), and
a filler metal is normally used, though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do
not require it. A constant-current welding power supply produces energy which is
conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and metal vapours
known as a plasma.

1.4 STUD WELDING:

Stud welding is a form of spot welding where a bolt or specially formed nut is
welded onto another metal part. The bolts may be automatically fed into the spot
welder. Weld nuts generally have a flange with small nubs that melt to form the
weld. Studs have a necked down, un-threaded area for the same purpose. Weld
studs are used in stud welding systems.
Capacitor discharge weld studs range from 14 gauge to 3/8" diameter. They can
come in many different lengths ranging from 1/4" to 5" and larger. The tip on the
weld end of the stud serves a twofold purpose.
2
1.5 SPOT WELDING:
Spot welding is a process in which contacting metal surfaces are joined by the heat
obtained from resistance to electric current. Work-pieces are held together under
pressure exerted by electrodes. Typically the sheets are in the 0.5 to 3 mm (0.020
to 0.12 in) thickness range. The process uses two shaped copper alloy electrodes to
concentrate welding current into a small "spot" and to simultaneously clamp the
sheets together. Forcing a large current through the spot will melt the metal and
form the weld. The attractive feature of spot welding is a lot of energy can be
delivered to the spot in a very short time .

The amount of heat (energy) delivered to the spot is determined by the resistance
between the electrodes and the amperage and duration of the current. The amount
of energy is chosen to match the sheet's material properties, its thickness, and type
of electrodes. Applying too little energy won't melt the metal or will make a poor
weld. Applying too much energy will melt too much metal, eject molten material,
and make a hole rather than a weld. Another attractive feature of spot welding is
the energy delivered to the spot can be controlled to produce reliable welds.

The advantages of the method include efficient energy use, limited work
piece deformation, high production rates, easy automation, and no required filler
materials. While the shear strength of each weld is high, the fact that the weld spots
do not form a continuous seam means that the overall strength is often significantly
lower than with other welding methods, limiting the usefulness of the process. It is
used extensively in the automotive industry cars can have several thousand spot
welds.

3
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 RESISTANCE WELDING THEORY

Resistance welding process is applicable for joining electrically conducting aerials,

the joint s are made by raising the temperature of the weld zone and the parts
together during the plastic stage. Spot welding projection welding seam welding
and upset butt welding are all basically resistance welding, the difference are
mainly in the geometrical arrangement of parts. In all these cases the heat required
to raise the temperature of the metal is generated due to the passage of electrical
current through the joint. The contact resistance (of the order of milli ohms) causes
the heat to localize at the point of interest and the current carrying electrodes are
adjusted to increase this effect. No fillers are required therefore the process is
cheaper, neater and faster than most of the other methods of metal joining.

CURRENT SOURCE:

The source of current is in general a special step down transformer. The primary
side of this fed from the power supply. In small machines up to about (5kva) the
transformers are designed to work from 220 volts ac. In case of larger machines the
power is fed from 2 lines of a three phase 440 volts system. Another type of power
source employed consists of a regulated dc supply which is momentarily connected
to a pulse transformer. Since any machine should be adaptable for different jobs,
normal type of resistance welding transformer is provided with a number of taps on
its windings. The secondary voltage is thus adjusted depending upon the job to be
weld.

4
2.2 TIMING CONTROLS:

2.2.1 WELD TIME:

A very important requirement of spot welding is that the welding current is

delivered to the job only for a very short time, typical timings are only about 0.1
sec to 3 sec. Precision welding of highest quality are done with a timing less than 1
sec therefore the unit of time preferred by the industry is the cycle. One cycle
corresponds to 1/50th of a second when referred to the power supply frequency of
50 cycles per second.

In simple machines a electromagnetic contactor is kept energised or a time period

suited to each requirement. The contacts of this conactor connect the primary of
the welding transformer to the power supply. The timing period is determined by
the settings of a variable resistor through which a capacitor is charged to a
predetermined level.

2.2.2 SEQUENCE TIMINGS:

A spot welding operator preferably must have to operate only a simple switch or a
foot lever. The electrodes should contact the job pieces and when a desired
pressure is developed the current should flow for a selected time and the electrodes
should part after the weld is forged.

In pneumatically operated machines the sequence of events as well as the duration

of each event are controlled by electronic timers. If the feeding of job is made fast
and regular it is possible to get a stitching type by recycling through the sequence

5
2.2.3 SEAM WELDING:

For manufacturing leak tight drums and similar items the method used is seam
welding. Electrodes are rotating wheels the speed of which is adjustable. A series
of overlapping welds are made. Typical timings are 2 cycles on followed by 2
cycles off and periods. Heavy current 100-500 amps are therefore required to be
switched at the rate of 10-20 times a second and an electronic device is absolutely
necessary. There are several products which are produced by this type of welding

2.2.4 ELECTRODE FORCE:

Small and inexpensive machines utilize the force provided by the operator,
transferred through suitable lever mechanisms. Usually a spring is employed to
adjust the limit of force required when the spring is compressed to a set point a
switch is operated to start the weld.

Larger machines intended for heavy jobs and/or mass production utilizes
compressed air for delivering the force required. A pneumatic cylinder is
connected one of the welding electrodes and compressed air at a regulated pressure
is introduced into the cylinder at the start of the weld.

The pressure is removed after the weld is forged the switching of air being done by
an electromagnetic valve. In some equipments different pressures are utilized
during weld and forge. All the programmes is achieved through electronic controls.

6
2.3 INSTALLATION OF SPOT WELDING MACHINE

The original installation of a piece of a equipment has a large bearing on its

subsequent operation and trouble free performance. This then deserves first
preference in the overall subject of service. This is especially true for resistance
welding machine because of the numerous utility services required electric power,
often two one for motor power and the other for the welding power. In addition the
welding machine may also require cooling water, air, hydraulic and sometimes
even gas services.

2.3.1 PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION

Upon receipt the equipment should be checked thoroughly, with all packing lists,
instructions, special tools, etc., properly accounted for. Also at the time of receipt,
the machine, motor and control nameplates should be checked for proper service
requirements

2.3.2 SETTING THE MACHINE

Any machine that has mechanical motions, whether air hydraulic or electrical
actuation should be anchored to a rigid stationary surface to prevent creeping or
walking. The extent of this attachment to the floor or other surface will depend
upon the size weight or operation of the equipment also on the type of building or
floor. Pits are especially desirable for large splash welding machines to act as a
receptable for the flash metal from the weld. In any case the machine should be
leveled at its weight equally distributed on all legs or hold down member. Careless
setting of the machine may cause undue strain on its members or binding of ways
slides etc.

7
2.3.3 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Safety for the operating personnel and the elimination of fire hazards are of
paramount importance. Welding equipment manufacturers provide their machine
with majority safety features. Adequate guarding of gearing and other moving
parts safe and approved electrical wiring as well as various types and kinds of
safety controls such as simple palm buttons to prevent operating the machine
without both hand on the buttons interlocks etc. Never attempt to override or evade
these safety measures. In addition users may install additional safety precautions:
area barricades exhaust systems, flash shield, etc. Rigorous maintenance of good
housekeeping procedures should be exercised at all the times.

2.3.4 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

With the machine set properly in position, electrical service is run through the weld
controls to the welding transformers and to the motors when required. The
electrical service to the motors will be the same as any normal electrical motor
service which is adequately covered by city or national electric codes.

The voltage rating of the cables used for welding transformer supply is important.
Welding cable which is not marked or stamped 600v is not acceptable for
resistance welding primary lines. The cable must a rating of 600v ac or above.
When machine are installed in a temporary manner a proper electrical earth found
must be provided to prevent electrically hazardous condition.

8
2.3.5 SETUP OF EQUIPMENT

With the equipment completely installed and with electrical power turned off, the
installation personnel must:

1. Check motors for proper rotation.

2. Check all bolts , nuts etc., for tightness including electrical connections.

3. Check air water oil lines for possible leakages.

4. Make sure all cylinders function properly and see that hydraulic oil is adequate

5. If water saver valves are supplied the manual valve should be closed prior to
turning on the power for the first time. Turn on electrical power.

6. Turn on hydraulically operated equipment. After checking pumps for proper

rotation, it is necessary to exhaust all air from the system as any air at all, even a
bubble, may cause faculty operation.

7. See that all guards and safety devices are in place. Operate properly, and
adequately protect personnel from all moving parts of machine.

8. Set the weld control to the 'NO WELD' position. Set the 'SQUEEZE TIME',
'HOLD TIME' and 'COOL TIME' functions at maximum.

If everything is functioning properly , the machine is ready for the operating

department, which will set the machine and weld controls as required for the parts
to be joined. Proper weld schedules may be defined by the machine manufacturer,
to proceed with production.

9
2.4 SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

2.4.1 Compressed air:

Moisture free air at a recommended flow volume is required at a working pressure

of 5.6kg/cm2.compressed air is useful for determining the reservoir size and flow
rate. The values are calculated without considering the piston rod diameter varies
for a given size of cylinder. The cylinder is supposed to work at 5.7 gauge pressure
and perform 100 operations.

2.4.2 Cooling water:

Clean residue water at minimum 2.1kg/cm2 pressure across machine and

temperature below 30 degree Celsius at recommended flow rate is required. Each
water cooling water circuit should have 5lpm flow rate hence cooling water rate
required is (5*n) plum, where n is the number of cooling water circuits.

2.5 COOLING SYSTEM

Resistance welding equipment develops very high secondary currents. this coupled
with compact design makes the need for proper cooling mandatory.

Water supply must be sufficient and at the proper temperature and pressure
difference as recommended.

If supply of city water does not meet specifications and if high in lime content , a
re-circulating system using distilled water should be considered.

10
Water circulation should be checked often to assure that all parts of the welder
requiring cooling, receive water. Water flow should be checked at the outlet of the
machine.

If a water system becomes plugged or if flow gets restricted, an air line may be
utilized to remove the obstruction. The usual procedure is to remove both inlet and
drain lines from the machine and connect airline to the drain and force air in the
direction opposite to water flow.

When equipment is not to be used for a period of time, the water should be shut off
by closing the water shut off valve.

Hoses which have become worn, cracked or swollen should be replaced by new
ones. when replacing be sure that the water circuit is not changed. Cooling the
thyristor must always be considered important, Water should enter each tube at the
bottom of the metal jacket and be discharged at the top. the jumper hose in series
between two pads of the thyristor pair should be atleast 600mm long.

2.6 ELECTRODES AND DIES

All the high current generated by the water secondary is concentrated at the contact
points of the electrodes or dies. This current must be transmitted under pressure to
the work piece to be welded. Therefore, electrodes must have good electrical and
thermal conductivity and be able to withstand high pressures. It is important to
maintain the cleanliness and smoothness of electrode contact points to assure
consistent, good quality welds.

11
Electrodes must be dressed whenever pitting, metal pickup or deformation is
noticed. Metal pickup by electrodes must be immediately removed before next
weld.

An adequate supply of spare electrodes is recommended to reduce downtime the

electrode dressing needed. Frequent cleaning of the electrode in the machine helps
maintain weld quality and lengthen the electrode replacement.

When dressing electrodes, always maintain the required contour. Electrodes often
have a radius or shape to conform to the part being welded or to properly
concentrate the weld current. A poorly dressed electrode directly contributes to
poor weld quality.

2.7 PNEUMATIC SYSTEM

Most machines will be entirely or partially air operated. For this reason basic
knowledge of pneumatics is essential for efficient welder maintenance.

The pneumatic system will usually consists of one or more of following items:

1. A filter(s)

2. A lubricator(s)

3. A regulator(s)

4. Valves

5. Cylinders

6. Intensifier (In Hydro-Pneumatic machines).

12
All will require some type of maintenance to ensure proper and efficient operation.
It is good practice to have spares for each of the above so that the equipment
downtime can be minimized when extensive maintenance is required.

2.7.1 AIR LINE FILTER:

A filter, if used, may be of the manual or automatic type. The manual type will
require periodic removal of the trapped water and other foreign particles. Usually,
this is done by opening a petcock at the bottom of the bowl and catching the liquid
in a container. A filter with an automatic drain will empty itself as necessary.
occasionally, it will be necessary to replace or disassemble and clean the filter.

2.7.2 AIR LINE REGULATOR:

The air line regulator is used to reduce the supply line air pressure to the desired
pressure for welding. This adjustment is an important part of every weld schedule.

The regulator must be kept clean and operating accurately. Pressure losses and air
leaks can result from dirty regulators.

2.7.3 AIR LINE LUBRICATOR:

The lubricator should always contain oil at the specified level. The oil
recommended is a light machinery oil and is usually specified as a type having a
viscosity of 150 SSU at 100oF.

The oil level should never be above the line indicated on the bowl. When filling, be
sure that the air supply is turned off before removing the filter plug.

13
All air systems require lubricating oil. The amount of the oil to be provided by the
lubricator cannot be specified but a good ' rule of thumb ' is one drop for each three
strokes of the most frequently operating cylinder. To adjust the lubricator, turn the
adjustment screw as indicated.

2.7.4 AIR VALVES:

Directional control valves are one of the most fundamental parts in hydraulic
machinery as well and pneumatic machinery. They allow fluid flow into different
paths from one or more sources. They usually consist of a spool inside a cylinder
which is mechanically or electrically controlled. The movement of the spool
restricts or permits the flow, thus it controls the fluid flow.

Manually operated valves work with simple levers or paddles where the operator
applies force to operate the valve. Spring force is sometimes used to recover the
position of valve. Some manual valves utilize either a lever or an external
pneumatic or hydraulic signal to return the spool.

Solenoid operated are widely used in the hydraulics industry. These valves make
use of electromechanical solenoids for sliding of the spool. Because simple
application of electrical power provides control, these valves are used extensively.
However, electrical solenoids cannot generate large forces unless supplied with
large amounts of electrical power. Heat generation poses a threat to extended use
of these valves when energized over time. Many have a limited duty cycle. This
makes their direct acting use commonly limited to low actuating forces.

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2.7.5 AIR CYLINDERS:
Pneumatic cylinders (sometimes known as air cylinders) are mechanical devices
which use the power of compressed gas to produce a force in a reciprocating linear
motion. Pneumatic cylinders use the stored potential energy of a compressed air
and convert it into kinetic energy as the air expands in an attempt to reach
atmospheric pressure.

This air expansion forces a piston to move in the desired direction. The piston is a
disc or cylinder, and the piston rod transfers the force it develops to the object to be
moved. They prefer to use pneumatics sometime because they are quieter, cleaner,
and do not require large amounts of space for fluid storage. Because the operating
fluid is a gas, leakage from a pneumatic cylinder will not drip out and contaminate
the surroundings, making pneumatics more desirable where cleanliness is a
requirement.

AFTER ASSURING ALL SERVICE CONNECTIONS ARE

TIGHT:

1) Switch on power supply (before switching on power check up insulation

resistance of power line and transformer, it should be more than two mega
ohms). This should be done by experienced supervisor. In case of machine
with thyristor contactor insulation resistance may be very low due to water
in thyristor

2) Open air supply set welding pressure to the recommended value.

3) Check the operation of the machine without applying the welding current.

15
 4) Ensure that water is circulating freely and at recommended flow rate and in
proper direction

5) The machine is now ready to make test weld.

2.8 CALCULATION OF DUTY CYCLES AT OTHER LOADS:

Duty cycle is defined as the ratio of time during which the output side of the
transformer is loaded to the integrating period

Integrating period is the sum of the load and no-load period during which the
equipment is operated for a particular application. Standard integrating period is
60secs.

The electrical data under short cut conditions have been compiled from the average
of test measurements taken on actual machine. Such tests are made in accordance
of IS: 4804. These data under short circuit conditions are sufficiently accurate to
give the maximum power requirements.

Percent duty cycle at any kva demand can be calculated as follows:

Pc = rating 50perc duty cycle(KVA)

PX = kva demand at other duty cycle(KVA)

X = other duty cycle in percent(%)

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 Table 2.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MILD STEEL SHEETS

Thickness “t” of the Minimum Electrode tip Weld quality

thinnest member (mm) contacting overlap diameter “d”
(mm) in (mm)

0.250 08 3.0 Best

satisfactory

0.500 10 3.0 Best

satisfactory
0.710 10 4.5 Best
satisfactory
1.000 12 5.0 Best
satisfactory
1.250 15 6.0 Best
satisfactory
1.600 16 6.0 Best
satisfactory
2.000 10 7.0 Best
satisfactory
2.500 20 8.0 Best
satisfactory

When determining per cent duty cycle it must be remembered that the basic kva
rating of the welding transformer at 50 per duty cycle only applies when using the
maximum secondary voltage available at that this kva rating varies directly with
secondary voltage.

17
2.9 SPOT WELDING PARAMETERS

Spot welding parameters include:

 Electrode force
 Diameter of the electrode contact surface
 Squeeze time
 Weld time
 Hold time
 Weld current
 Off time

The determination of appropriate welding parameters for spot welding is a very

complex issue. A small change of one parameter will affect all the other
parameters. This, and the fact that the contact surface of the electrode is gradually
increasing, makes it difficult to design a welding parameter table, which shows the
optimum welding parameters for different circumstances.

2.9.1 ELECTRODE FORCE

The purpose of the electrode force is to squeeze the metal sheets to be joined
together. This requires a large electrode force because else the weld quality will
not be good enough. However, the force must not be to large as it might cause
other problems. When the electrode force is increased the heat energy will
decrease. This means that the higher electrode force requires a higher weld current.
When weld current becomes to high spatter will occur between electrodes and
sheets. This will cause the electrodes to get stuck to the sheet.

18
An adequate target value for the electrode force is 90 N per mm2. One problem,
though, is that the size of the contact surface will increase during welding. To keep
the same conditions during the hole welding process, the electrode force needs to
be gradually increased. As it is rather difficult to change the electrode force in the
same rate as the electrodes are "mushroomed", usually an average value is chosen.

2.9.2 DIAMETER OF THE ELECTRODE CONTACT SURFACE

One general criterion of resistance spot-welding is that the weld shall have a
nugget diameter of 5*t1/2, “t” being the thickness of the steel sheet. Thus, a spot
weld made in two sheets, each 1 mm in thickness, would generate a nugget 5 mm
in diameter according to the 5*t½-rule. Diameter of the electrode contact surface
should be slightly larger than the nugget diameter. For example, spot welding two
sheets of 1 mm thickness would require an electrode with a contact diameter of 6
mm. In practice, an electrode with a contact diameter of 6 mm is standard for sheet
thickness of 0.5 to 1.25 mm. This contact diameter of 6 mm conforms to the ISO
standard for new electrodes.

2.9.3 SQUEEZE TIME

Squeeze Time is the time interval between the initial application of the electrode
force on the work and the first application of current. Squeeze time is necessary to
delay the weld current until the electrode force has attained the desired level.

2.9.4 WELD TIME

Weld time is the time during which welding current is applied to the metal sheets.
The weld time is measured and adjusted in cycles of line voltage as are all timing
functions. One cycle is 1/50 of a second in a 50 Hz power system. (When the weld

19
time is taken from American literature, the number of cycles has to be reduced due
to the higher frequency (60Hz) that is used in the USA.)

As the weld time is, more or less, related to what is required for the weld spot, it is
difficult to give an exact value of the optimum weld time. For instance:

 Weld time should be as short as possible.

 The weld current should give the best weld quality as possible.
 The weld parameters should be chosen to give as little wearing of the
electrodes as possible. (Often this means a short weld time.)
 The weld time shall cause the nugget diameter to be big when welding thick
sheets.
 The weld time might have to be adjusted to fit the welding equipment in
case it does not fulfil the requirements for the weld current and the electrode
force. (This means that a longer weld time may be needed.)
 The weld time shall cause the indentation due to the electrode to be as small
as possible. (This is achieved by using a short weld time.)

When welding sheets with a thickness greater than 2 mm it might be appropriate to

divide the weld time into a number of impulses to avoid the heat energy to
increase. This method will give good-looking spot welds but the strength of the
weld might be poor.

By multiplying the thickness of the sheet by ten, a good target value for the weld
time can be reached. When welding two sheets with the thickness 1 mm each, an
appropriate weld time is 10 periods (50Hz).

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2.9.5 HOLD TIME (COOLING-TIME)

Hold time is the time, after the welding, when the electrodes are still applied to the
sheet to chill the weld. Considered from a welding technical point of view, the hold
time is the most interesting welding parameter. Hold time is necessary to allow the
weld nugget to solidify before releasing the welded parts, but it must not be to long
as this may cause the heat in the weld spot to spread to the electrode and heat it.
The electrode will then get more exposed to wear. Further, if the hold time is to
long and the carbon content of the material is high (more than 0.1%), there is a risk
the weld will become brittle. When welding galvanized carbon steel a longer hold
time is recommended.

2.9.6 WELD CURRENT

The weld current is the current in the welding circuit during the making of a weld.
The amount of weld current is controlled by two things; first, the setting of the
transformer tap switch determines the maximum amount of weld current available;
second the percent of current control determines the percent of the available
current to be used for making the weld. Low percent current settings are not
normally recommended as this may impair the quality of the weld. Adjust the tap
switch so that proper welding current can be obtained with the percent current set
between seventy and ninety percent.

The weld current should be kept as low as possible. When determining the current
to be used, the current is gradually increased until weld spatter occurs between the
metal sheets. This indicates that the correct weld current has been reached.

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2.9.7 OFF TIME

Begins automatically after Hold Time. The time allotted for the Movable Electrode
to remain retracted. Once the time has elapsed, the Welding Control automatically
reinitiates the Weld Schedule. This timing function is only used when the "Repeat
Switch" is ON. Programmable in Cycles. (1 Cycle = 1/60 of a second)

2.10 WELD TESTING:

The purpose of quality control is to assure duplication of welding results under

controlled combination. Without quality control, poor welds may occur for a long
period of time before detected. Defects undetected may result in scrap , re-work,
lost production and failure of final product.

Sizes of samplings can be statistically established to yield a very accurate control

over the process. The number of welds per hour will usually govern the frequency
of the sample selection and the size of the sampling. Occasionally, a process will
require non-destructive testing of 100% of the welds. The type of test used will
depend on the type of welding process to be tested. A specific type test is
recommended for each welding technique. Good control over the welding process
can usually be achieved by making regular tests on the weld and maintaining the
electrodes in proper condition.

2.10.1 TENSION SHEAR TEST:

Perhaps a common test of a weld is the Tension Shear Test. In this test the
specimen is pulled to destruction in a standard tension testing machine. The size
and shape of this specimen is very important. Each test specimen should have its
failure point recorded.

22
2.10.2 OTHER TESTS:

Other weld tests are as follows:-

1. Tension Test

a) Cross tension test.

b) U-tension test

2. Impact test

a) Shear impact test.

b) Drop impact test.

3. Fatigue test

4. Microtech test

5. Radiographic test

6. Twist test

7. Hardness test

8. Pillow test

Most satisfactory tests are of a destruction type. For very expensive products, a
destruction test is usually not economical or practical. Usually, some type of X-ray
is adopted for these products and only qualified are permitted to judge result.

2.10.3 VISUAL INSPECTION:

Surface conditions often indicate weld quality. Some of the more undesirable
common spot, seam and projection weld surface conditions and their effects are
listed below;

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 Table 2.2 SURFACE CONDITIONS OF SPOT WELDS

TYPE CAUSE EFFECT

Deep electrode Improperly dressed Loss of weld strength due
indentation electrode face; lack of to reduction of metal
control of electrode force; thickness at periphery of
high contact resistance. weld area bad appearance
Surface fusion Scaly or dirty metal; low Under size welds due to
electrode force; heavy expulsion of
misalignment of work, molten metal; large cavity
high welding current, in weld zone extending
electrodes improperly through to the surface
dressed. increased cost of
removing burrs from
surface of work.
Irregularly shaped weld Misalignment of work in Bad appearance; reduced
electrodes; bad electrode corrosion resistance;
or improper electrode reduced weld strength if
bearing on radius of molten metal is expelled.
flange.
Cracks, deep cavities or Removing electrode force Reduction of fatigue
pin holes before thoroughly strength if weld is in a
quenching weld to a temp tension member or if
well below visible red crack of imperfection
heat; excessive heat extends into periphery of
generation resulting in weld area corrosive in
expulsion of metal recess of cavity

24
 CHAPTER 3

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

OUR AREA OF CONCERN:

Spot welding of stiffeners on Power Operated Doors.

USE OF STIFFENERS:

To prevent bending of Power Operated Doors

3.1 CURRENT PROCESS:

• Spot welding is done between the stiffener and the door (both 1mm
thickness) with the help of a single electrode (copper)
• Total number of spots on the sides of the stiffener are
1. Vertical Stiffener(both sides) = 16 spots(8+8)
2. Horizontal top Stiffener(both sides) = 10 spots (5+5)
3. Horizontal bottom Stiffener(one side) = 5 spots

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3.2 USAGE OF SPOT WELDING IN THE COMPANY

TO WELD

S.NO THICKNESS CURRENT(amps)

1 3.0mm + nut (mild steel) 75/99
2 1.0mm + 1.0mm/0.6mm(mild steel) 40/60
3 1.2mm + 2.0/3.0mm(mild steel) 60/90
4 2.0mm + 2.0 mm (mild steel) 80/90
5 1.0mm + 1.0mm (galvanized iron) 90/100
6 1.0mm + 2.0mm (galvanized iron) 90/100

Table 3.1 Usage of Spot Welding in the company

3.3 STIFFENERS USED:

S.NO TYPES WIDTH(mm) THICKNESS

1 Horizontal top stiffener 415 1 mm
2 Horizontal bottom stiffener 420 1 mm
3 Vertical stiffener 1840 1 mm

Table 3.2 Stiffeners Used

26
Fig 3.1 Design of an electrode

27
3.4 ELECTRODE CHARACTERISTICS

3.4.1 CHROMIUM ZIRCONIUM COPPER

Many applications demands Copper to have higher mechanical properties and to be
capable of use at elevated operating temperatures while still retaining the good
conductivity for which it is selected in the first place.

The high-copper alloy family includes Beryllium Coppers, 2% Beryllium Copper,

Chromium Coppers, Zirconium Copper , Chromium Zirconium Copper and Nickel
Silicon Chromium Copper. The Chromium Zirconium Copper is essentially
Chromium Copper alloys which has a small addition of Zirconium. The addition of
Zirconium inhibits chemical reaction of Copper at elevated temperatures. It also
helps to retain the physical properties at elevated temperatures. Also it marginally
increases annealing temperature.

Chromium Zirconium Coppers are used widely in areas where high electrical and
thermal conductivity are required combined with good mechanical properties. Uses
include Resistance Welding Machine Electrodes, Seam Welding Wheels, Spot
Welding Tips, Flash Butt Welding Electrodes, Anvil Contact Bars, Electrical
Switch Gear Contacts & Terminals, Electrode Holders, Cable Connectors, Current
Carrying Arms and Shafts, Circuit Breaker Parts, Heat Sinks, Short Circuit Rings,
MIG welding contact tubes and many other applications where Copper would
normally be the ideal choice for High Conductivity but is just not Strong enough.

C18150 Chromium Zirconium Copper is used extensively for cap style resistance
welding electrodes. Evidence suggests that it can provide less sticking and resist
deformation longer than its chromium copper counterpart in some specific
situations.

28
C18150 (Chromium Zirconium Copper)

Chemical
Composition
(1)
(%max., unless Cu Cr Zr
shown as range
or min.)
Min./Max. Rem. .50-1.5 .05-.25
Nominal 98.9 1.0 .10

Table 3.3 Chemical composition of C18150

(1) Cu value includes Ag. Note: Cu + Sum of Named Elements, 99.7% min.

Physical Properties Metric

Melting Point - Liquidus 1080 C
Melting Point - Solidus 1070 C
Density 8.89 gm/cm3 @ 20 C
Specific Gravity 8.89
Electrical Conductivity 0.464 Mega Siemens/cm @ 20 C
Thermal Conductivity 323.9 W/m · oK at 20 C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 16.45 ·10-6 per oC (20-100 C)
Modules of Elasticity in Tension 117200 MPa
Table 3.4 Physical Properties
3.4.2 Typical Uses

Consumer: Pencil-type & Light Soldering Guns: Tips, Rod Extensions

Electrical: Resistance Welding Electrodes

Industrial: Welding Electrodes, Welding Wheels, Tips and Rod Extensions

29
 WELDING ELECTRODE

The figure 3.2 represents a 3D view of a single electrode. This electrode is placed
within the tool holder. The electrode used here is Chromium Zirconium Copper
material.

Fig 3.2 Welding electrode in current process

30
 DOOR BODY WITH STIFFENER

The figure 3.3 represents the 3D view of door body with stiffener. The stiffener is
used mainly to prevent the door from bending.

Fig 3.3 Door body with Stiffener

31
INFERENCE:

1. The above graph represents number of doors spot welded in a day.

2. It is noticed that an average of 55 doors are welded in a day.

3. It takes about 3 minutes for spot welding a stiffener on door using single
electrode.

32
 CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY ADOPTED

4.1 ALTERNATIVE IMPROVEMENT FOUND OUT

PRACTICALLY

• Changing the tool holder in such a way that two electrodes of copper can be
fitted to it.
• To design a template to make sure that the two electrodes can be used in a
single spot operation.
• To practice and study about an alternative to spot welding i.e clinching
process ( optional)
• To change the bed of the machine accordingly.

4.2 Pictorial Representation Of Modified Working Process

Our aim is develop a tool holder containing two electrodes.

Fig 4.1 Pictorial Representation Of Modified Working Process

33
4.3 TO DESIGN A TOOL HOLDER

Fig 4.2 Design of a Tool holder

34
 TOOL HOLDER

The figure 4.3 represents the 3D view of a tool holder connected to inlet and outlet
pipe. Inlet and outlet pipe is used in transportation of the coolant.

Fig 4.3 Tool holder

35
Fig 4.4 Design of a tool with electrode
36
 TOOL HOLDER WITH ELECTRODE

The figure 4.5 represents the 3D view of tool holder containing the electrode. This
model is developed to reduce the time consumption by 50%.

Fig 4.5 Tool holder with electrode

37
The figure 4.6 represents the three dimensional view of tool holder placed on the
stiffener. The tool holder makes sure that two spots are welded in a single press.

Fig 4.6 Tool holder placed on stiffener

The figure 4.7 represents the front view of the tool holder placed on the stiffener.
The distance of separation between two electrodes is 80mm.

Fig 4.7 Front view

38
4.4 TO DESIGN A TEMPLATE

The figure 4.8 represents the different views of the designed template.

Fig 4.8 Design of a Template

39
 TEMPLATE

The figure 4.9 represents the 3D view of the template. The template is designed in
such a way that it can be used freely by a lay man with minimum effort.

Fig 4.9 Template

40
 WITH TEMPLATE

The figure 4.10 represents the 3D view of template placed in the door body. The
template makes sure that the stiffener placed within the door body is aligned
properly with it.

Fig 4.10 Usage of template

41
 CHAPTER 5

RESULT ANALYSIS

5.1 CALCULATIONS:

(a) To determine electrode force:

ELECTRODE FORCE = 6000 x (T1 +T2)

6000 = constant

T1 = thickness of first sheet

T2 = thickness of second sheet

T1=T2= 0.1cm.

6000 x (0.1 + 0.1) = 1200lbs

600 = necessary electrode force in lbs.

(b) To determine weld time:

WELD TIME = 100 x (T1 +T2)

100 = constant

100 x (0.1 + 0.1) = 20

20 = necessary weld time in cycles

42
(c) To determine weld current:

WELD CURRENT = 100,000 x (T1 +T2)

100,000 = constant

T1 = thickness of first sheet

T2 = thickness of second sheet

100,000 x (0.1+0.1) = 20,000

20,000 = necessary secondary current in amperes.

(d) To determine tip face diameter

TIP FACE DIAMETER = 0.1 + (T1 +T2)

0.1 = constant

T1 = thickness of first sheet

T2 = thickness of second sheet

.1 + (0.1+0.1) = 0.3

.3 = tip face diameter in inches

43
5.2 CURRENT DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN 2 ELECTRODES:

The Current Divider Rule(CDR) is useful in determining the current flow through
one branch of a parallel circuit.

Two resistors in parallel. For only two resistors in parallel:

I1 = (RT/R1) * IT

Where RT is the total resistance of the parallel branches under examination.

(1/RT )= (1/R1) + (1/R2)

RT = (R1R2) / (R1+R2)

On substituting RT , I1 = [R2/(R1+R2)] * IT

In this case, R1 = R2 , Since two electrodes are of same material.

I1 = [R2/2R2] * IT

Cancelling R2, we get ,

I1 = IT /2

Total current flowing through the electrode = 100 amps.

Therefore, I1 = 100/2 , I1 = 50 amps.

So, the current flowing through each electrode is 50 amps.

If current enters a parallel network with a number of equal resistors, the current
will split equally between the resistors.
44
5.3 ANALYSIS OF DESIGN
The design represents the 3D view of tool holder with electrode. This design is
analyzed to make sure that there is tool wear.

Fig 5.1 Tool holder imported into ANSYS

45
Meshing:

The design represents the tool holder with electrode being meshed. Meshing is
done to make sure that the whole design is constrained with required stress.

Fig 5.2 Meshing

46
The design is analyzed and following inferences are made:

1) The blue and green color shown in the tool holder containing the electrode
represents that the design is safe and there is no tool wear.

Fig 5.3 Result analysis of tool holder

47
 CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION

The project has been designed in such a way that it suits to the working process
prevailing in the company. We have also analysed the strength of the material
using the necessary software. We have ensured that the design introduced make
sure that the time taken is reduced by fifty percent.

Efforts to develop a template for efficient working of a lay man have been
successfully developed. We hope that the project will be useful in the field of
engineering.

48
 CHAPTER 7
FUTURE WORK

1. Instead of using holder containing two electrodes efforts can be made in further
developing the tool holder in such a way that more than two electrodes can be used
at a time.

2. Flexible spot welding is a type of welding in which welding can be done by free
movement. Efforts can be done by implementing this type of welding which is
easy to use as efficient.

3. Efforts can be done by studying about clinching process which is nothing but
using adhesives for joining to metals. This reduces the effect of heat.

49
 CHAPTER 8
REFERENCES

1. wikipedia.org

2. Design of Jigs And Fixtures- Edward G Hoffman

3. www.millerwelds.com

4. www.spotweldequip.com

5. www.robot-welding.com

6. www.mipalloy.com

7. www.wisc-online.com

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