Estimation of nugget size in resistance spot welding using a neural network

저항 점 용접에서 신경회로망을 이용한 용융부의 크기 예측에 관한 연구

The resistance spot welding process has been extensively used for joining of sheet metals, which are subject to variation of many process variables. Many qualitative analyses of sampled process variables have been successfully attempted to achieve a uniform nugget size. In this paper, the electrode movement signal which is a good indicative of the nugget size was examined by introducing a mathematical model with four parameters. A neural network method was applied for the estimation of the nugget size by four parameters. The prediction by the neural network is in good agreement with the actual nugget size. The results are quite promising in that the qualitative estimation of the invisible nugget size can be achieved without destructive testing of the welds.