ISO 18278-2:2016

Overview

ISO 18278-2:2016 - Resistance welding - Weldability - Part 2: Evaluation procedures for weldability in spot welding specifies laboratory test procedures to determine the acceptable welding current range and electrode life for resistance spot welding. It applies to assemblies of uncoated and coated sheets with individual thicknesses from 0.4 mm to 6.0 mm and is intended to characterize the effects of electrode design, material, cooling and welding equipment on spot weld quality.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Defines procedures to evaluate weldability in spot welding by measuring welding current range and electrode life.
• Welding equipment & electrodes:
  • Electrodes shall be of type A 2/2 material (see ISO 5182) and have geometry defined per ISO 5821.
  • Electrode conditioning: electrodes shall not be conditioned before tests.
• Welding current and control:
  • Specify AC or DC; use constant current control.
  • For AC equipment, welding current shall be at least 30% of RMS value at full conduction angle.
• Mechanical settings:
  • Limit electrode impact (recommend approach speed 0.15 m/s and/or peak force