Spot welding stands as one of the most prevalent and often referenced forms of welding, yet it’s frequently misunderstood. Unlike arc welding, which generates an arc to fuse metals, spot welding utilizes electrical resistance, heat, and pressure to join metal pieces stacked atop one another. This technique involves pinching the two metal pieces together with pointed tongs, one set to a high voltage and the other grounded. The resistance to electricity flow heats the metal, facilitating the welding process. Notably, spot welding is highly localized, with heat concentrated only where the tongs meet, ensuring minimal heat dispersion across the workpiece, which subsequently cools rapidly.

Thanks to its mechanical simplicity, spot welding is easily automated, making it a staple in manufacturing processes. Think of the robots tirelessly welding car components together on assembly lines; they’re likely spot welders. Despite its prevalence, it’s common for non-welding professionals to incorrectly label various metal-joining techniques as spot welding. However, true spot welding is seldom practiced by hobbyists or in construction due to its dependence on specialized equipment and lack of portability.