Patent ID: 7126077
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a welded bond at a weld site that includes an interface between first and second high strength steel workpieces, the high strength steel containing, by weight, at the weld site, 0.06–0.25% carbon, 0.4–1.7% manganese and one or more of the elements selected from the group consisting of aluminum, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, titanium and vanadium, the method comprising: passing an electrical current through said workpieces at said weld site to form an annular pool of molten steel material at said interface; and, thereafter stopping said electrical current for solidification of said molten material into an annular weld nugget bonding said workpieces at said interface said annular weld nugget having a central opening with no weld nugget material therein.