Per: tadeu messias donizete borba (USIMINAS - IPATINGA), eugênio toledo de carvalho (usiminas - ipatinga), Guilherme Brito Menegaz Junior (usiminas - belo horizonte)
Abstract:
Usiminas has dedicated efforts to the development of third-generation advanced high-strength steels, aiming to meet the demands of the automotive industry in terms of emissions reduction and vehicle safety increase. Among these materials, the 1000 MPa grade electro galvanized (EG) TRIP steel (TRIP1000EG) can combine high mechanical strength with good ductility and energy absorption capacity. In this work, the electrical resistance spot weldability (RSW) of TRIP1000EG steels, with 1.20 mm thickness, was evaluated. Weld joints without discontinuities were obtained, with adequate mechanical strength and weldability fields with acceptable current levels. In addition, the referred materials also met the criteria specified by the welding standards related to the electrode life test, indicating that the EG coating has a low deleterious effect on the RSW process. The results showed that TRIP1000EG steel is a good option for the automotive industry, especially in the manufacture of spot-welded components that require high mechanical strength.