Welding methods for joining light metal and high-strength steel using solid state and resistance spot welding processes

A method for joining metals, comprising:

• forming an intermediate joint between a light metal member and a metal insert, wherein the intermediate joint is formed using a solid state welding process;
• and
• forming a primary joint between the light metal member and a high-strength steel member, wherein the primary joint is formed using a welding process that melts both the light metal member and the high-strength steel member at a temperature above the respective melting points of the light metal member and the high-strength steel member, wherein the welding process used to form the primary joint melts and fuses together the high-strength steel member and a first local region of the metal insert in contact with the high-strength steel member without melting and fusing together both the light metal member and a second local region of the metal insert in contact with the light metal member, wherein the welding process used to form the primary joint melts the light metal member to braze onto the second local region of the metal insert, and wherein the metal insert prevents a molten portion of the high-strength steel member from mixing with a molten portion of the light metal member.