Resistance Projection Welding Design, Calculation, Process Assurance
Resistance Projection Welding Design, Calculation, Process Assurance
Resistance Projection Welding Design, Calculation, Process Assurance
VW
011 03
Konzernnorm
Descriptors:
projection welding, resistance projection welding, welding, weld projection,
round projection, ring projection, long projection
Contents
Page
1
2
2.1
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
3
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
4
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.3.5
6
7
8
Scope .................................................................................................................................. 2
Procedure............................................................................................................................ 2
Basic principles of projection welding ................................................................................. 2
Definitions ........................................................................................................................... 2
Heat-affected zone (HAZ) ................................................................................................... 2
Unaffected base material .................................................................................................... 2
Requirements...................................................................................................................... 3
Materials (welding suitability) .............................................................................................. 4
Estimation of the welding parameters ................................................................................. 4
Microstructure/hardness...................................................................................................... 5
Weldability for service (design notes) ................................................................................. 6
Welding capability (manufacturing) ..................................................................................... 7
Dimensions of embossed projections ................................................................................. 7
Relationship between sheet thickness and projection diameter.......................................... 8
Location of projection designations ..................................................................................... 8
Welding equipment ............................................................................................................. 9
Calculation of the number of projections ........................................................................... 10
Process reliability/quality assurance ................................................................................. 10
Nugget penetration depth f................................................................................................ 10
Nugget diameter dL ........................................................................................................... 11
Weld point diameter dP ...................................................................................................... 12
Shear fracture at the transition to the sheet ...................................................................... 13
Forced fracture.................................................................................................................. 13
Mixed fracture ................................................................................................................... 14
Gap size ............................................................................................................................ 15
Markings on the counter sheet.......................................................................................... 15
Overall evaluation ............................................................................................................. 15
Drawing entries ................................................................................................................. 17
Referenced standards....................................................................................................... 18
Changes
The following changes have been made as compared to VW 01103: 2003-10:
Form FE 41 - 01.05
Page 1 of 20
Fachverantwortung/Responsibility
K-QS-32/1
Dr. Witt
Tel.: 7 36 23
Fischer
Tel.: +49-5361-9-27995
Sobanski
Confidential. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be transmitted or reproduced without prior permission of a Standards Department of the Volkswagen Group.
Parties to a contract can only obtain this standard via the B2B supplier platform www.vwgroupsuppy.com.
VOLKSWAGEN AG
Norm vor Anwendung auf Aktualitt prfen / Check standard for current issue prior to usage.
Klass.-Nr./Class. No. 04 81 5
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Previous issues
1968-08; 1970-04; 1971-04; 1974-03; 2003-10
1
Scope
This standard is used for the design, calculation and workmanship of statically and dynamically
stressed projection welded sheet steel structures and structures with auxiliary parts.
The method is referred to as "projection welding" below.
The scope of this standard includes (resistance) projection welding (code number 23 according to
DIN EN ISO 4063) on single-shear projection welded joints and quality characteristics for process
assurance of single-projection and multiple-projection welded joints.
The following basic regulations are based on experience with low to high degrees of mechanization
and on test results, as well as on industrial standards and technical regulations, e.g. DVS 2905.
2
Procedure
2.1
Projection welding is a resistance pressure welding method where large electrodes are used to join
two components through the application of electrical current and force. One of the two parts
generally includes a projection. This projection results in the current being concentrated at the joint.
The projections are partially reshaped during welding as a result of the force exerted by the
electrodes and the heat generated by the electrical current, producing non-removable connections
at the points of contact in the form of a melted area in the joining plane, the so-called weld nugget.
Around the weld nugget is a heat-affected zone. This connection is referred to as a projection
welded joint.
One or more projections can be welded at the same time in a single processing step if the design
and performance of the welding equipment allow this.
2.2
Definitions
2.2.1
Base material in direct proximity to the joint that undergoes a microstructural change as a result of
the thermal energy applied during projection welding.
2.2.2
Area of the base material that experienced no evident microstructural changes as a result of the
energy applied during projection welding.
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Requirements
To achieve the greatest possible design strength in accordance with the design goal while ensuring
sufficient reliability and a favorable cost/quality ratio, every projection welding design must be
appropriate for welding. The dimensions in the projection welding equipment and the electrode
space requirement, was well as accessibility to the workpiece must already be taken into
consideration during advance engineering.
The weldability depends on three influence variables
Welding suitability (material)
Weldability for service (design)
Welding capability (manufacturing)
All three criteria are of equal priority for weldability, see Figure 1.
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3.1
Welding suitability is a material property. It is present if a projection welded joint that meets the
requirements set according to the standards can be produced because of the chemical
composition.
3.1.1
For a first estimation of the welding parameters of a joining task, it is recommended that a welding
range diagram (time/current diagram) be prepared, in which the limit line for the minimum fused
joint or nugget (spot) diameter is determined for a constant electrode force, Figure 2.
Weld time t
[periods]
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When welding only one projection, the welding current must be optimized in combination with the
welding force and welding current time so that the required nugget diameter can be achieved, for
example.
When welding multiple projections, the electrode force and welding current must be increased in
accordance with the number of projections to be welded.
NOTE: In practice it is obvious that partial currents of different intensities may be generated, which
lead to weld spatters, due to design- and system-specific conditions (tolerance of projection heights
and electrodes, type of welding system, etc.). To avoid this, it is recommended to reduce the
welding current by 30 40% and to weld with a current increase (2 periods) and a follow-up device.
The appropriate parameters shall be determined in trials.
3.1.2
Microstructure/hardness
The chemical composition basically influences the microstructure, hardening, nugget formation and
strength of the projection welded joint.
The less the material-related factors have to be considered in manufacturing and in design, the
greater the welding suitability of a material within a material group.
All steels with a C content up to 0.25% (max. 0.3 %) are suitable for welding. In many cases, the
carbon equivalent value (CEV) is used for determining the welding suitability (hardening) of
unalloyed and low-alloyed steels.
According to DVS 2905, the following equation is valid for a first estimate of the hardening of the
weld metal:
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3.2
The projection welded joint is a connection of two parts directly at the weld joint by one or more
weld projections. The parts involved are designated on drawings as an ASSY (welded assembly) or
WGR (welding group).
Figure 3 to Figure 9 show examples of different projection shapes (not yet welded on):
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3.3
3.3.1
Table 2, Figure 10 and Figure 11 show dimensions for embossed projections according to DIN EN
28167.
a
0.4
0.5
0.63
0.8
1.0
1.25
1.6
2.0
2.5
d2
0.5
0.63
0.8
1.0
1.25
1.6
2.0
2.5
3.2
Figure 10 Projection for resistance welding
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3.3.2
It is recommended that the following three groups of projection diameters (see Table 3) be
accepted according to the sheet thicknesses for the different applications and the required strength
(which is determined by the seam strength and the material properties):
Group A:
Group B:
Contains projections with small dimensions for tight spaces or minor embossing.
Projections for standard applications, which normally require more space and
greater embossing than those of group A.
Projections with large dimensions for increased strength requirements where the
space requirement or shape restrict the application or the use of multiple spots;
normally used with high-strength steels.
Group C:
Projection diameter d1
Group A
Group B
Group C
1.6
2.5
2.5
3.2
0.63 < t 1
2.5
3.2
3.2
6.3
2.5 < t 3
6.3
t 0.5
< t 1.6
NOTE: The thickness of the counter sheet must also be considered when selecting the group.
Group A shall be selected for thin counter sheets, Group C for thick counter sheets.
3.3.3
The following definitions apply to the correct arrangement of the projections on the workpiece from
a design and manufacturing point of view, Figure 12:
Sheet thickness t
Overlap b
Edge distance a
Edge distance v
Projection distance e1
Row distance e2
Offset X
t
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3.3.3.2 Overlap b
The overlap b is measured as the width of the contact area normal to one edge of the overlapping
sections.
3.3.3.3 Edge distance a
The edge distance a is the distance between the center of the projection and the nearest edge of
the sheet without projections.
3.3.3.4 Edge distance v
The edge distance v is the distance between the center of the projection and the nearest edge of
the sheet with projections.
3.3.3.5 Projection distance e1
The projection distance e1 is the centre distance between two adjacent weld projections.
3.3.3.6 Row distance e2
With several rows of projections, the row distance e2 is the distance between adjacent rows,
referred to the centres of the projections.
3.3.3.7 Offset x
The offset x is the lateral shift in projection rows with the same projection distance and row
distance.
3.3.4
Welding equipment
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4
Each projection welded joint is characterized by the sum of its characteristic values and their
manufacturing influences, which are evaluated according to the quality requirement using
measurable and/or countable values as test characteristics.
The measurable values according to which the quality of an individual projection welded joint is
evaluated are the tolerance values of the individual test characteristics of the spot weld geometry in
relation to evaluation group B analogous to DIN EN ISO 5817.
The countable value according to which the quality of a multiple projection welded joint is evaluated
is the test characteristic "number of weld projections" in the case of round projections.
The test sequence for standard production monitoring and the test methods (e.g. chisel test,
microsection) shall be carried out based on Test Specifications PV 6702 and PV 6717, taking into
account the specifications for resistance projection welding.
The quality of the joint is verified by checking the nugget and spot diameters and determining the
shear tension force or the torque or cross tension forces.
The nugget and spot diameters and the weld zone area are determined in a destructive test. The
nugget diameter is measured using a transverse microsection and the spot or slug diameter is
determined by means of chisel testing, for example.
The forces are determined according to the information in Test Specifications.
A quality evaluation of the projection welding process requires an overall evaluation to be
performed when first defining the welding parameters. This involves evaluating the nugget and slug
diameters in a destructive test and, if applicable, checking further specifications (e.g. shearing
forces, cross tension forces or torques).
5.1
The weld nuggets are normally symmetrical. If there are any asymmetrical weld nuggets (sheet
thickness / material influence, etc.), the welded joint is sufficient once a continuous fused-closed
joint with a measurable penetration depth of f = 0.2 mm is created between the sheets involved.
Permissible penetration depths f = 0.2 mm shall be indicated in the drawing or specified in a
component-specific test specification.
The weld quality and/or strength must be verified by means of a dynamic strength test and a
microscopic examination.
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5.2
Nugget diameter dL
The nugget diameter dL is the diameter of the area in the joining plane (vertical to the joint plane) of
the workpiece parts that was molten during the welding process and is distinguished from the two
base materials by its different (own) microstructure, Figure 13 and Figure 14.
If there is no weld nugget discernible in the transverse microsection, then the diameter of the
continuous fused joint through the entire projection can instead be used as the minimum
requirement for an acceptable weld, Figure 15. No separating line shall be visible. If the nugget
diameter is smaller than the specification, this shall be agreed with the Design department and the
value shall be entered in the drawing.
Figure 15 Projection weld with the beginnings of a continuous fused joint in the joining
plane
The continuous fused joint shall be detected using microsections enlarged to > 100 : 1.
If the transverse microsection shows signs of ring welding (no fusion in the core), the projection
weld in question shall be considered unacceptable.
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Figure 16 shows a joint without continuous fused joint.
Figure 16 Projection weld with areas without bond (in the core)
Measurement of the nugget diameter dL and evaluation of the weld nugget for weld defects are
carried out using metallographic testing (macrosection).
The nugget diameter dL or the diameter of the continuous fused joint shall reach at least the size of
the unwelded projection diameter d1, unless otherwise specified.
The nugget diameter required for the necessary strength or the diameter of the continuous fused
joint shall be specified in drawings.
5.3
The weld point diameter dP is determined in a destructive test (usually a chisel test).
The fracture will be one of three types, depending on the quality of the joint:
Shear fracture at the transition to the sheet with dPA (symmetrical or asymmetrical), so-called
"slug"
Forced fracture with dG (fracture in the entire joining plane)
Mixed fracture (fracture in the joining plane with one area without fusion in the core)
The fracture type is dependent on the welding parameters and the thickness of the sheets to be
joined.
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5.3.1
With a shear fracture at the transition to the sheet, the average diameter dPA of the slug is
determined, Figure 17, Figure 18.
Legend:
d = dPA Spot diameter
d1, d2
d3
not measured
5.3.2
Forced fracture
With a forced fracture, the fracture area/diameter dG in the joining plane is determined, see
Figure 19.
The fracture area/diameter must be at least the same as the area/diameter of the projection.
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dG
Mixed fracture
With a mixed fracture, in addition to the forced fracture portion (outer area) there will also be areas
without bond, Figure 20, Figure 21. In the example, there is no fused joint in the core.
This fracture type is classed as unsatisfactory (not OK) from a welding quality point of view.
The figure below schematically illustrates the shear diameters and the fracture in the joining plane.
Legend:
dH = Diameter of the adhesion zone
dH
dK
dH
dK
Figure 21 Fracture profile of a joint with areas without fusion (in the core)
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5.3.4
Gap size
There will generally always be a gap between the sheets (joining plane) because of the geometric
conditions of the joining partners. The permissible gap size shall be determined by means of
process testing.
5.3.5
Due to the thermal load of the electrodes and the joining partners, craters appear on the contact
surface of the counter electrode after a distinct number of welds. These craters lead to markings or
in certain boundaries to raised areas on the counter sheet.
The Design Engineering departments shall determine or limit the requirements on the counter
surface (contact surface, screw-mounting surface) with respect to raised areas due to projection
collapses / craters.
NOTE: To avoid this disturbance, the tool life of the counter electrode shall be limited.
6
Overall evaluation
An overall evaluation shall be used to ensure that the quality of a projection welded joint is
maintained across the entire manufacturing period.
An overall evaluation of a projection weld shall take place when:
preparing a machine for delivery,
performing first sampling and
when implementing parameter changes that are expected to result in a considerable change in the
overall evaluation.
The overall evaluation shall include:
nugget diameter dL or diameter of the continuous fused joint (no "ring nugget") and
spot or slug diameter (e.g. by means of chisel test)
The following are standard values for comparing nugget and shear diameters.
For round projections:
dL d1
dPA d1
dL = nugget diameter
dPA = spot weld shear diameter
FL FB
FPA FB
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dL
OK
dP
OK
OK
Not OK
Not OK
dP
Not OK
OK
OK
OK
dL
Not OK
dP
Not OK
dR (ring nugget)
Not OK
Not OK
The evaluation of pores in the weld nugget is carried out acc. to PV 6702.
The welding parameters shall be reviewed in the event of "conditionally OK" or "Not OK" result.
The torque or the cross tension force must also be determined according to VW 605 60 when
evaluating projection welding of functional components (e.g. nuts or screws).
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Drawing entries
FFor the dimensions b, e, v and a (see also Figure 12) the general tolerances according to
DIN ISO 2768-medium apply.
Figure 22 shows the dimensioning and symbolic representation of round projections in assembly
drawings and PDM drawings.
DIN EN 12345 contains further data and general principles for the definition of projection welded
seams.
dLmin.
(e)
VW 011 03
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Referenced standards1
VW 011 05-1
VW 010 59-1
VW 605 60
PV 6702
DVS 2905
DIN EN 12345
DIN EN 22553
Other standards
DIN EN ISO 14554-1
In this section terminological inconsistencies may occur as the original titles are used.
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Appendix A (normative)
Long projection
Round projection
Deviating from DIN EN 28167 and DIN 8519, the following projection dimensions are defined
(Figure A.1 and Table A.1). They are matched with the associated tools (stamps and dies)
according to operating equipment standard 39 V 1252.
Parallel sheets1)
Sheets
normal to
one another1)
Parallel sheets
without
edge distance1)
1) Sheets with different projection shapes cannot be welded in the same processing step. The
radius r refers to the rounding on the tool (see 39-V-1252).
Figure A.1 Round and long projection dimensions
The values contained in Table A.1 are valid for projections in sheets of equal or greater thickness
with a carbon content 0.22% and for even contact surfaces only. Exceptions, for example
projections in the thinner sheet or on curved surfaces, smaller edge distances e or smaller
distances between the weld projections, as well as projections in alloyed sheets or sheets with a
higher carbon content shall be agreed with the Body Planning department (welding technology)
and if applicable determined by means of welding tests.
A tolerance of 1 mm applies to the position of the projections. With formed parts, the dimensions
shall be measured from a center line, hole or bent edge if possible.
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> 3.7 = 4
t2
> 0.7 = 0.8
> 0.7 = 0.9
> 0.7 = 1.1
> 0.7 = 0.9
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 0.7 = 0.9
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 1.6
> 0.7 = 0.9
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 1.9
> 0.7 = 0.9
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 2.3
> 0.7 = 0.9
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 2.6
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 2.6
> 2.6 = 2.9
> 0.9 = 1.1
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 1.9
> 1.9 = 3.3
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 1.9
> 1.9 = 3.7
> 1.1 = 1.4
> 1.4 = 1.9
> 1.9 = 4.0
Projection
d1 0.2
3
3.5
4
3.5
4
3.5
4
3.5
4
3.5
4
5
5.5
5
5.5
5
6
6.5
Projection height 1)
a
0.7
0.8
1
0.7
0.8
1
1.2
0.7
0.8
1
1.2
0.7
0.8
1
1.2
0.7
0.8
1
1.2
0.8
1
1.2
1.5
0.8
1
1.2
1.5
1
1.2
1.5
1
1.2
1.5
Tol.
edge distance
v
5
-0.1
-0,2
-0.1
-0.2
-0.1
-0.2
-0.1
-0.2
-0.1
-0.2
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
-0.1
8
7
8
-0.2
-0.3
-0.2
7
8
-0.3
-0.2
-0.3
10
1) The difference in height between multiple projections in a single weld surface must not exceed 0.1 mm.