We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Manufacturing

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Spot Welding?

By Troy Holmes
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 15,427
Share

Welding refers to a process that is used to join two metal objects. Spot welding is a form of welding that requires a unique welding machine. This machine is designed with clamps that join two pieces of metal together with electrodes. The electrodes are used to apply pressure and electricity into the metal objects. This causes a spot weld to be formed with a metal nugget between the objects.

Elihu Thomson invented spot welding in 1877. Mr. Thomson had determined that two sheets of metal could be fused together by applying pressure and electricity to a discrete point. As the voltage is pumped into the metal material a nugget of melted metal is formed that is used as an epoxy element, securely binding the two objects. This type of welding is most often used by large robotic devices when creating automobile body parts.

There are many types of spot welding machines available today. These include both large floor-mounted welders and small portable welders. Each type of welder includes an electrical power supply and special electrode rods. The size of the weld nugget depends on the thickness of the electrode rods and the amount of pressure and time they are placed on a object.

Most welding generates extreme heat and high light illumination. This light can cause temporary and long-term blindness. It is recommended to wear a welding safety helmet that includes significant darkening lenses. This is similar to extremely dark sunglasses.

Welding is a dangerous occupation that also requires other special safety equipment. This includes gloves, fire resistant clothes, along with the aforementioned glasses. When the objects are fused together, hot metal may shoot into the face or clothing of the welder. Without safety equipment, this could result in serious injury.

Welding is an art that requires a basic understanding of physics and metal composites. Each type of metal requires a specific volume of welding area to hold. This spot welding is based on both the size and type of the material being welded together. Some examples of material include steel, aluminum and copper. Each has a specific pressure and time requirement for a spot weld.

Mig spot welding is a form of welding that requires penetration of one of the metal objects before the fusion begins. This type of welding is known as plug welding because the penetrated area is plugged with melted metal material. Mig welding has only been available within the last few decades and offers a comparable welding option.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By easybeataus — On Jun 22, 2011

It’s true that welding is an art that requires a basic understanding of physics and metal composites. Well written post with very interesting details. thanks for sharing great article.

Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-spot-welding.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.