Welding techniques, including, for example, resistance spot welding, can be used to join or weld two or more metal sheets together. A clamping force and an electric current can be applied to two or more sheets to create localized melting that combines the material of the two sheets. Applying a clamping force and a cooling current can include gradually decreasing the amount of the electric current applied to the weld while applying the forging force. By adjusting the amount of the electric current applied to the weld can allow the weld to cool gradually, which may reduce thermal stresses and allow the forging force to close cracks, pores, or otherwise be used to remove or prevent defects formed in the weld.
