What process is defined as a form of resistance welding where components are clamped between electrodes?

The correct answer identifies spot welding as a method of resistance welding where two metal pieces are joined together by applying pressure and passing an electric current through the electrodes that clamp the components. In this process, the heat generated from electrical resistance at the interface of the metals causes them to melt and fuse together, creating a strong bond.

Spot welding is particularly effective for welding thin sheets of metal, making it a commonly used technique in the automotive industry and for manufacturing various metal products. The ability to precisely control the welding cycle and the limited heat-affected zone are critical advantages of spot welding.

In contrast, arc welding, which is often characterized by the use of electric arcs to generate heat for melting the base metal, does not utilize clamps and electrodes in the same way. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding are both excellent for joining metals using filler materials but are not classified as resistance welding methods. They rely on different principles that involve shielding gases to protect the weld pool rather than clamping and electrically fusing the metals. This distinction highlights why spot welding is specifically recognized as a form of resistance welding.