Joining of steel sheets for automotive industry using press joining method

The paper deals with joining of steel sheets for automotive industry using press joining method. This method is a relatively new technique of car body sheets joining which is beginning to find its place in the automotive industry as an alternative to resistance spot welding, especially in joining materials of different qualities. Combination of two hot-dip galvanized steel sheets: microalloyed steel sheet H220PD of the thickness 0,8 mm and TRIP steel 40/70+Z100MBO of the thickness 0,77 mm were used for the experiments. The tensile test and metalographical analysis were used for evaluation of the press joints properties. The influence of the sheet's position in press joining of used materials on carrying capacity considering the active parts of the tool - punch and die was observed.