What is the Difference Between Spot Welding and Tack Welding?

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The main difference between spot welding and tack welding lies in their purpose and the way they are performed:

Spot Welding:

  • Spot welding is a permanent welding process used to fuse two metals together.
  • It is carried out through a combination of electrical current and pressure applied to the metals being fused.
  • Spot welding is widely used in industrial applications, particularly in the assembly of automobiles and other vehicles.

Tack Welding:

  • Tack welding forms a temporary pre-weld.
  • It is a preliminary process in many welding techniques, ensuring that parts to be welded together are held securely and properly aligned.
  • Tack welding uses filler material when joining metal pieces.
  • It can be used on a range of metals, each with varying thicknesses.
  • Tack welding is typically performed before spot welding.

In summary, tack welding is a temporary process that holds parts together and ensures proper alignment, while spot welding is a permanent process that joins the parts together using electrical current and pressure.

Comparative Table: Spot Welding vs Tack Welding

Here is a table comparing the differences between spot welding and tack welding:

Feature Spot Welding Tack Welding
Purpose Permanent fusion of two metals together Temporary pre-weld to hold parts in correct alignment until final welding is complete
Method Combination of electrical current and pressure applied to metals being fused Filler material used to join metal pieces
Materials Can be used on a range of metals with varying thicknesses Suitable for thinner materials
Strength Structurally sound and ideal for high-volume projects Cost-effective but not suitable for structural applications
Applications Welds are permanent and not removable Used in applications where only one side is accessible
Symbol Circle placed above the reference chart on a blueprint No official tack weld symbol

In summary, spot welding is a method used to fuse two metals together permanently, while tack welding is a temporary pre-weld that holds parts in the correct alignment until final welding is complete. Tack welding is especially useful in applications where only one side is accessible.