ISO 15614-12:2021

Overview

ISO 15614-12:2021 - Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Part 12 covers the qualification tests for spot, seam and projection welding (resistance welding). The standard defines how to prepare test pieces, perform visual, non‑destructive and destructive tests, and record a qualified welding procedure. It applies primarily to resistance welding processes listed in ISO 4063 (spot, seam, indirect/direct spot, lap/mash/prep-lap seam, wire/foil/strip seam, and projection welding) and is written for embossed projection welding while being adaptable to solid projections (nut, stud, cross‑wire welding).

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and processes covered: Resistance spot (21, 211, 212), seam (22, 221–226) and projection welding (23, 231, 232).
• Preliminary WPS (pWPS): Preparation in accordance with ISO 15609-5; pWPS defines parameters to be tested.
• Test-piece preparation and representation: Test pieces must represent the production assembly or be standardized specimens; material direction and shunting/inductive effects are to be considered.
• Examination and testing: Combination of non‑destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing. Examples of tests referenced include:
  • Visual inspection and macrosection (to show nugget and HAZ)
  • Shear, peel, chisel, torsion and bend tests
  • Hardness testing (if requested)
  • Leakage/helium tests and cupping/pillow tests for seam joints when tightness is required
• Test specimen standards: Sectioning and specimen shapes refer to ISO 14270–14273, ISO 17653, ISO 10447 and ISO 17654 for detailed specimen geometry and test methods.
• Range of qualification: Rules defining limits of validity of a WPQR - process, current type, welding cycle, equipment, electrodes, pre/post‑heat treatments and material ranges.
• Documentation: Completion of a Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) form and witness requirements for testing.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 15614-12:2021:

• Welding engineers and procedure developers qualifying resistance welding procedures for production.
• Quality managers, inspection bodies and testing laboratories performing WPQR testing and acceptance.
• Manufacturers in automotive, appliance, electronics, railway and general fabrication where spot, seam or projection welding is used. Practical benefits:
• Ensures reproducible, auditable welding procedure qualifications.
• Defines test methods to validate joint strength, integrity and leak‑tightness for production welding.
• Provides a framework to adapt embossed projection procedures to solid projections like nut and stud welding.

Related standards

• ISO 15607 (series overview)
• ISO 15609-5 (Weld Procedure Specification - resistance welding)
• ISO 4063 (welding process classification)
• ISO 669, ISO 17677-1, ISO 17653 and ISO 14270–14273 (test methods and vocabulary)

Keywords: ISO 15614-12:2021, welding procedure qualification, spot welding, seam welding, projection welding, resistance welding, WPQR, pWPS.