This specification expresses an industry consensus of quality characteristics and metrics pertinent to resistance spot welds on automotive steels. The evaluation methods and inspection criteria specified herein can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of particular welding equipment and procedures used to weld a particular base material combination. The subject matter is considered to be realistic and tempered with the knowledge of what a resistance spot welding process is capable of accomplishing in a high volume production environment. The criteria and metrics are the same for all welds regardless of the service load and are intended to be applied in conditions typically encountered during manufacturing. Welds at variance from the stated weld quality criteria in this document can still have mechanical properties that satisfy product and design requirements. Any attempted application of this document, or the evaluation criteria contained herein, to other uses, such as post-crash weld quality assessment, may lead to an erroneous result.
This standard makes sole use of the International System of Units (SI).
Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard, and therefore are not fully addressed herein. Safety and health information is available from other sources, including but not limited to, ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, and applicable federal and state regulations.
