Resistance Welding of Hybrid Structures Made of Fibre-Reinforced Plastics and Steel Using Special Connecting Elements Made of Metal

The article presents a technology used for the thermal joining of composite materials and metal elements, making up hybrid structures, using auxiliary connecting elements. The penetration of the these elements into the composite material was performed using an iterative process assuming the lowest damage to the material. In addition, the article presents primary requirements concerning the welding of auxiliary elements in relation to this process. The article also presents and analyses various joining concepts as well as pays attention to the necessity of providing low heat input to the material aimed to minimise thermal damage to the composites and, as a result thereof, proposes a new approach to spot welding. Finally, the article presents selected solutions taking into consideration the above named aspects as well as describes mechanical properties of joints and welding parameters.