Evaluation of Weldability and Mechanical Properties in Resistance Spot Welding of Ultrahigh-Strength TRIP1100 Steel

To use steel in the automotive industry, it is essential to characterize its weldability and weldable current range. The resistance spot welding of ultrahigh-strength transformation-induced plasticity steel (TRIP1100 steel), which is a candidate for application in an autobody, is studied here. Identifying the weld lobe and the best welding parameters and studying the microstructure and mechanical properties of the spot welds of TRIP steel were done using metallurgical techniques, tensile-shear and cross-tension tests, and fractography and microhardness testing. A partial fracture analysis (stepwise tensile test) showed a crack initiated at the tip of the notch. The best range for welding current was found to be 10-12 kA. The diameter of the weld nugget increased up to 5√t; however, it was found that at least 15% increase in the diameter of the weld nugget can result in a more favorable failure. The ductility ratio was found to be less than 0.5 for ultrahigh-strength steel. At the welding currents of 11 and 12 kA, the desired ductility ratio was achieved.