Microstructure development in resistance spot welded galvannealed IF steel sheet

Interstitial free (IF) steels having excellent drawing and forming characteristics find extensive use in autobody panels. Although, resistance spot welded joints are widely used in the automobile industry, little is known about the metallurgical changes which occur during the spot welding process. The investigation of the metallurgical changes is very important for the safety strength of the welded joints. In the present research work, microstructures of the different zones of spot welded interstitial free steels have been characterised by optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. Microstructural changes at weld and heat affected zone have also been correlated with welding heat input and microhardness values.