Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

MingFeng Shi

Huaxin Li

Dale A Gerard

Jatinder P Singh

A system for increasing joint strength and reducing embrittlement in a resistance spot weld of metal workpieces is disclosed. The system comprises a stackup of first and second metal workpieces, and an interface member disposed between the first and second metal workpieces. The interface member comprises a peripheral wall defining a hollow inner portion. The peripheral wall has a first open end extending to a second open end. The first open end is in contact with the first metal workpiece defining a first weld portion thereon. The second open end is in contact with the second metal workpiece defining a second weld portion thereon. The system further comprises a first electrode configured to contact the first metal workpiece to heat the peripheral wall at the first weld portion and join the first metal workpiece with the first open end of the peripheral wall. The system further comprises a second electrode configured to contact the second metal workpiece to heat the peripheral wall at the second weld portion and join the second metal workpiece with the second open end of the peripheral wall to define a weld joint. The system further comprises a power source configured to power the first and second electrodes and a controller configured to control the power to the first and second electrodes to heat the peripheral wall.

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West Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

MingFeng Shi