Resistance Spot Welding of ZAMAK 12

Abstract

Zamak 12 offers high hardness and high tensile strength. This is the preferred alloy for permanent mold applications although it can also be cold-chamber die-cast with excellent results. It combines low temperature melting efficiency and thin wall capabilities with premium mechanical properties. ZA-12 can usually be poured directly into molds designed for aluminum and brass. In this work, the weldability of the ZA-12 alloy using the resistance spot welding technique was investigated. The alloy was melted in a melting furnace and casted in a sand mold. The resistance spot welding processes were carried out using the welding current of 3 kA and the welding times of 30, 40, 50 cycles under the electrode loads of 500 N. The microstructures of the interfaces of welded samples were examined with light optical microscopy (LOM). The tensile-shear tests were carried out at room temperature to determine weld strength. The welding time affected slightly the welding strength. The hardness of the welding zone and matrix was measured. The hardness of the weld interface and base material was similar for all welding conditions.

Keywords

• Zamak 12
• Hardness
• Welding

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