Effects of welding parameters on the characteristics of magnesium alloy joint welded by resistance spot welding with cover plates

Magnesium alloy AZ31B sheets were welded using the technique of resistance spot welding with cover plates. The effects of welding parameters on the characteristics of the joint were investigated. The joint with larger nugget and higher tensile shear load was obtained under relatively low welding current condition. Enhancing electrode force and extending down-sloping time are effective for inhibiting pores formation and increasing the tensile shear strength of the joint under corresponding welding conditions. The results reveal that the technique is feasible to weld magnesium alloy.