The resistance spot weldability of AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel

In this study, AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel sheet with 0.6 mm thickness was joined by resistance spot welding at different welding times and currents. The effects of welding parameters on the mechanical properties of welded samples are defined in terms of peak load. The hardness profile and the microstructure of the joint were also evaluated. Experimental results have shown that the welding time must be reduced while the welding current is increased in order to increase the tensile strength. According to microstructure investigation, the grain coarsening occurs in the HAZ in all the samples.