PL EN
Assessing electrode wear: The role of spot weld count in material degradation
 
More details
Hide details
1
Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, aleja A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-59 Krakow, Poland
 
2
Wiśniowski Sp. z o.o. S.K.A. Wielogłowy 153, 33-311 Wielogłowy, Poland
 
3
Faculty of Materials Science and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Podchorążych 1, 30-084 Kraków, Poland
 
4
Faculty of Mechanics and Technology, Rzeszów University of Technology, ul. Kwiatkowskiego 4, 37-450 Stalowa Wola
 
 
Corresponding author
Rafał Dziurka   

Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Science and Technology, aleja A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-59 Krakow, Poland
 
 
Adv. Sci. Technol. Res. J. 2025; 19(9)
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the degradation of electrodes during the resistance spot-welding process and its impact on both the welding process itself and the properties of the welded components. To simulate some of the most challenging degradation conditions, 1.5 mm thick electro-galvanized steel sheets were selected as the welding material DX51D+Zn275. For this type of material, the zinc coating tends to react with the electrode material during welding, forming a Zn-enriched layer, which accelerates electrode degradation. The experiments were conducted using an ELMA-Tech GmbH resistance spot welder. Short welding times were applied, with process parameters set at 70 ms, 12 kA, and an electrode pressing force of 2.5 kN. A total of 1100 welds were made under these conditions. Samples for mechanical testing and microstructural analysis were taken at 300, 500, and 1100 welds. A uniaxial tensile shear test was performed on the welded samples to determine the shear force at which failure occurred. Microscopic analysis was conducted using an optical microscope equipped for surface profiling and roughness measurements. Additionally, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the electrodes after the welding process. Initial electrode roughness, measured as Rz = 1978.73 µm and Ra = 576.31 µm, displayed progressive wear and surface contamination, including zinc and burnt oil deposits that altered contact geometry, affecting electrode longevity. Roughness parameters evolved with weld counts and electrode wear correlated strongly with shear force. Chemical analyses have revealed the formation of a Zn-enriched layer and micro-cracking in electrodes, necessitating corrective machining after 1,100 welds to restore efficiency. These findings underscore the importance of managing electrode degradation to maintain weld quality and optimize industrial welding processes.
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top