Surface modification of resistance welding electrodes by electro-spark deposited coatings

To improve electrode life during resistance welding of Zn-coated steels, TiCP/Ni coatings were deposited onto the surface of electrodes by electro-spark deposition. In addition, laser treatment was performed to eliminate cracks formed in the as-deposited TiCP/Ni coating. Properties of the coatings were characterized by electro-microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction and micro-hardness tests. The results showed that …