Spot welding is one of the very old processes that people have used for welding. It is done through combining heat with pressure and time. The weld is done through using a current flow through the resistance of the material so that it localized heat in one spot. The amount of time that the current flows into the joint is determined by the thickness and type of material that is being used in the weld.
Another name for spot welding is resistance spot welding and it is one of the few processes that produce small amounts of arc rays and fumes. There are tongs and linkages that are used so an individual must be careful around the equipment for their own safety. Although there are fewer problems it is still wise to wear safety equipment.
The Process of Spot Welding
When a welder is doing spot welding the point is to have the current flow through the very tip of the metals to be joined. The base metal will resist the electrical current which makes the heat focus directly on the join that you want to have welded. The process is unique because you will see that the weld bead is created inside the surface of the base metal. This is different from a TIG or MIG spot weld because the resistance process uses electrodes that are attached to both sides of the work pieces that you want to weld.
Protect Yourself
It is very important to understand some of the safety hazards that can happen with resistance spot welding. As said before the weld is made inside the work pieces so this is not an open-arc process. Here are two common hazards that you should know how to protect yourself from:
You may have flying sparks. You will need to keep a fire extinguisher close and be skilled at using it. Besides causing fires or explosions they can also fly off the weld joint so you need to wear safety goggles and long sleeves. Otherwise you will risk burns to your face and to your body.
Electric shock should be considered. Since you are working with wiring electric shock is always a possibility. To cut down the hazard it is always a good idea to wear insulated gloves.
Keep in mind that spot welding is a very important skill to learn but you must be safe doing it.
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