Meaning
International welding standards specify the procedures for the qualification of welding processes for metallic materials used in industrial manufacturing. ISO 15614 governs the testing required to demonstrate that a specific weld procedure produces a joint with the necessary mechanical properties and quality. It details the range of qualification based on material thickness or joint configuration.
Documentation includes a welding procedure qualification record that serves as evidence of compliance during production audits.
Technical Requirement
Parameters such as current, voltage, and travel speed must be recorded during the test weld to establish the qualified range. ISO 15614 defines how much these values can deviate during actual production without requiring a new qualification. This limit ensures that the heat input remains consistent.
Process Qualification
Verification of the welding method involves the creation of a test piece that is subjected to non-destructive and destructive examinations. ISO 15614 requires a series of tests including visual inspection, radiographic testing, and transverse tensile tests to confirm the integrity of the weld. The hardness of the heat-affected zone is also measured to prevent brittleness.
This rigorous sequence ensures that the welding process is capable of producing joints that meet the structural requirements of battery enclosures or cooling plates.
Documentation Standard
Records of the material grades and the welding consumables used during the test are compiled into a formal report. Compliance with ISO 15614 is often a prerequisite for Tier 1 suppliers in the automotive battery sector. These documents provide the traceability required for safety certifications.
