spot welding aluzinc sheets 2

[alpharam]

Most of the references claim that it is possible to spot weld Aluzinc sheet. Do I need any special equipment though?

 

[kenvlach]

From

http://www.uss.com/corp/sheet/coated/valufab.htm

"Welding
GALVALUME® steel sheet can be welded by conventional resistance and arc welding processes. The safety precautions are similar to those for hot-dip galvanized sheet.
Because the surface contact resistance is low when compared with uncoated sheet, resistance welding of GALVALUME® steel sheet requires welding currents, welding times and electrode forces higher than those required for similar thicknesses of uncoated cold rolled steel. These welding parameters are similar to those normally used on galvanized steel. However, experience has shown that even more frequent electrode dressing is required, as compared with galvanized sheet, to achieve good welds."

Typical parameters (tables) for spot and seam welding of Galvalume sheet are given in Galvalume Technical Bulletins (pg. 2) at

http://www.bethsteel.com/customers/products/pdfs/galtech2.pdf

 

[CalculatorDave]

Another joining technique suitable for aluzinc and other coated sheet metals is CLINCHING. Attexor INc. and Toggle-Loc sell such equipment.

 

[gdodd]

The aluminium in galvalume and galfan makes it more difficult to spot weld than straight galvanised or galvanneal steels. An alternative method of joining to the above is self piecing rivets as used in the automotive industry to join aluminium and steel sheet.