SUB-PROCESS 08 — CNC Sheet Metal
Spot Welding
Resistance spot welding (RSW) joins overlapping sheet metal panels by passing high current through copper electrode tips at precise contact points — no filler wire or shielding gas required. With cycle times as fast as 0.1s per spot, RSW is the fastest joining method for high-volume assemblies where lap-joint structural strength matters more than continuous seam appearance.
Specifications
Max Thickness0.3mm – 5.0mm
Electrode ForceUp to 5.5 kN
Cycle Time0.1s to 0.5s per spot
MaterialsCold rolled steel, galvanized, stainless, aluminum
Capabilities
Fastest joining cycle — 0.1s per spot
No filler material or shielding gas required
High-volume production suited
Consistent structural lap-joint strength
Spot Welding vs Other Joining Methods
Multi-parameter comparison to help you choose the right joining method for your application.
| Parameter | Spot (RSW) | TIG (GTAW) | MIG (GMAW) | Laser |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Speed | Very fast — 0.1–0.5 s/spot | Slow — manual pace, 50–300 mm/min | Moderate — 1000–3000 mm/min | Very fast — 10–5000 mm/min |
| HAZ Width | Very narrow — <1 mm | Narrow — 1–2 mm | Moderate — 3–5 mm | Ultra-narrow — <1 mm |
| Distortion | Very low | Low | Moderate | Minimal |
| Filler Material | None | Optional | Required | None |
| Automation | Fully automated | Manual / semi-auto | Semi-auto / auto | Fully automated |
| Appearance | Limited — spot marks only | Excellent — smooth stacked-dime bead | Good — minor ripples | Excellent — cosmetic seam |
| Best For | High-volume sheet assemblies | Food-grade, sanitary, visible joints | High-speed structural welds | Precision enclosures, thin-wall parts |
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