A combination joining technology of spot welding and riveting for aluminum and steel

A combination joining technology of spot welding and riveting for aluminum and steel was proposed. First, a technique hole was prefabricated at the area to be welded and the rivet was riveted to the hole, the specimen were prejoined by rivet force. Then, a spot welding machine was used to weld the riveting area to realize the combination joining of spot welding and riveting. The technology is called "spot riveting welding"(SRW). The mechanical properties, microstructure and fracture mode of Al/Steel joints made by this technology were investigated. The results show that the tensile shear load of SRW joints increased by 23.8% than resistance spot welding joints and 28.7% than riveting joints, absorbed energy before destruction of SRW joints increased by 211% than resistance spot welding joints and 67% than riveting joints. Although the brittleness intermetallic compound was formed during spot riveting process, these areas are not the main load bearing parts. Spot riveting welding presented a plastic fracture mode.