Microstructure and mechanical performance of resistance spot welding of AISI 304 stainless steel and AISI 1000 series steel

Austenitic stainless steels (ASS) are used in the automotive industry as a potential alternative solution to respond to new passenger safety requirements. On the other hand, owing to their high mechanical properties, ASS are accompanied with a challenge in their welding. For this reason, resistance spot welding is considered as the key joining process in ASS sheet metal joining. The present work focuses on the effect of the initial microstructure of metallic sheets (ASS/ASS - Non-ASS/ASS) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the resistance spot welds.