Resistance microwelding of fine nickel wires

Resistance microwelding of fine crossed nickel wires is of increasing industrial importance for electrical connections in downsized electronic and medical devices. A study has therefore been performed to clarify the basic joining mechanisms. The effects of main process parameters (welding current and force, and weld time) were investigated by detailed mechanical testing and metallurgical examinations. A bonding mechanism with several main process stages (wire cold collapse, surface melting, liquid phase squeeze out and solid-state bonding) was proposed. Copyright © 2005 by ASM International®.