An effect of heat input, weld atmosphere and weld cooling conditions on the resistance spot weldability of 316L austenitic stainless steel

This paper aims to investigate the effect of weld time, different weld atmospheres and weld cooling conditions on the resistance spot weld quality of 316L stainless steel. Therefore, the microstructure of welded samples was evaluated and the hardness and tensile shear load bearing capacity of weldment was also determined. It was found that the final mechanical properties of welded samples are directly related to the parameters of the process used, knowing the weld time and weld atmosphere. Tensile shear load bearing capacity of welded samples increased with increasing heat input related with weld time due to the enlargement of nugget size. In addition, the tensile shear load bearing capacity of welded samples obtained in nitrogen atmosphere was found slightly higher compared to the normal atmosphere for all weld time.