User:Ianbs

Poke Welding is a term coined in the 1970's to describe small, hand held welding guns used to apply spot welds from one side only.1

The process is the same as normal resistance welding, using the same current densities (amps/cm2) and forces (kg/cm2)2. As the force available from a human hand is very low, the process is only suitable for welding very thin materials. The current densities and force densities are created by use of a very small spot diameter, typically 1mm to 2mm (0.04" to 0.08").

Typical materials would be:- Stainless steel heat blankets for commercial and military aircraft. Tack welding of components before vacuum brazing. Welding of nameplates to cast iron valve bodies.

In each case, the material varies between 0.1mm (0.004") and 0.8mm (0.03"). Weld quality can be very good and aerospace users have sectioned and macro'd welds which are shown to have good penetration.

Welder power sources are typically AC or capacitor discharge, but Medium Frequency (1kHz to 4kHz)welders, with weld controls offering "milli-second timing" are becoming more popular as the technology develops.