AWS J1.3/J1.3M:2020

An American National Standard

Specification for Materials Used in Resistance Welding Electrodes and Tooling

AWS J1.3/J1.3M:2020

An American National Standard

Approved by the American National Standards Institute

September 27, 2019

Specification for Materials Used in Resistance

Welding Electrodes and Tooling

First Edition

Prepared by the American Welding Society (AWS)

J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment

Under the Direction of the AWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved by the AWS Board of Directors

Abstract

This standard specifies essential properties of materials used for resistance welding electrodes and related components, the common applications of these materials, and methods of conformance verification.

AWS J1.3/J1.3M:2020

AWS J1.3/J1.3M:2020

ISBN (Print): 978-1-64322-085-7

ISBN (PDF): 978-1-64322-086-4

American Welding Society 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166

© 2020 by American Welding Society

All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America

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Statement on the Use of American Welding Society Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American Welding Society (AWS) are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When AWS American National Standards are either incorporated in, or made part of, documents that are included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other governmen- tal bodies, their provisions carry the full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In all cases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the AWS standards. Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS stand- ard must be by agreement between the contracting parties.

AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While the AWS administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evalu- ate, or verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards.

AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this standard. AWS also makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information pub- lished herein.

In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is neither undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is AWS undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using these documents should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. It is assumed that the use of this standard and its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and competent personnel.

This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions. Users should ensure that they have the latest edition.

Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept any and all liabilities for infringement of any patent or trade name items. AWS disclaims liability for the infringement of any patent or product trade name resulting from the use of this standard.

Finally, the AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so.

On occasion, text, tables, or figures are printed incorrectly, constituting errata. Such errata, when discovered, are posted on the AWS web page (www.aws.org).

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the appropriate technical committee. Such requests should be addressed to the American Welding Society, Attention: Managing Director, Standards Development Division, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166 (see Annex E). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. These opinions are offered solely as a convenience to users of this standard, and they do not constitute professional advice. Such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment. It must be reviewed every five years, and if not revised, it must be either reaffirmed or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations, additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are requested and should be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committee’s response to the com- ments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166.

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Personnel

AWS J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment

K. Ymker, Chair RoMan Manufacturing

D. Sorenson, Vice Chair Entron Controls, LLC

M. Diaz, Secretary American Welding Society

D. Beneteau Centerline Ltd.

W. H. Brafford Consultant

T. J. Chandler Cadi Company Inc.

A. V. Gibboney Obara Corp USA

M. D. Gugel US Steel Corporation

R. B. Hirsch Unitrol Electronics, Inc.

B. Kelly Kelly Welding Solutions P.C.

1. Michelena T. J. Snow Co.

   1. F. Qualls Consultant

      
      

      Advisors to the J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment

      1. Cubert Space X

         J. D. Dally Standard Resistance Welder Co.

         R. P. Pratt Cadi Company Inc.

      2. S. Scotchmer Huys Industries LTD

AWS J1/TG6 Task Group to Prepare the Specification for Materials Used in Resistance Welding Electrodes and Tooling

T. J. Chandler, Chair Cadi Company Inc.

D. Beneteau Centerline Ltd.

W. H. Brafford Consultant

F. Burton Southern Copper & Supply

A. V. Gibboney Obara Corp USA

M. D. Gugel US Steel Corporation

R. P. Pratt Consultant

D. Sorenson Entron Controls, LLC

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Foreword

This foreword is not a part of this standard, but is included for information purposes only.

Successful application of the resistance welding process involves accurate control of pressure, current and time. During welding the electrodes are subjected to a variety of mechanical loads, high temperatures, and chemical interactions. Specialized materials for resistance welding tooling have been developed over many years to deliver optimum perform- ance, extended service, and cost effectiveness.

This standard builds upon the globally recognized material classification system described in the Resistance Welder Manufacturers’ Association (RWMA) Bulletin 16, Resistance Welding Equipment Standards, last published in 1996. The standard provides updated and expanded information useful to material and electrode manufacturers, distributors, and end users.

This document describes common materials to facilitate identification and minimize variation. It is not intended to limit the range of resistance welding products or processes in the marketplace.

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary, AWS J1 Committee on Resistance Welding Equipment, American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166.

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Table of Contents

Page No.

Personnel v

Foreword vii

List of Tables x

1. General Requirements 1

   1. Scope 1

   2. Units of Measurement 1

   3. Safety 1

2. Normative References 2

3. Terms and Definitions 2

4. RWMA Materials Classification System 3

   1. Group Designations 3

   2. RWMA Class Designations 3

   3. Consideration of New Materials 4

   4. Common Usage 4

   5. Material Compatibility 4

5. Material Specifications 7

   1. Composition 7

   2. Physical and Mechanical Properties 7

6. Material Identification 10

   1. Marking 10

   2. Color Coding 10

   3. Packaging 10

   4. Labeling 10

   5. Documentation 10

7. Material Testing 11

   1. Chemistry Analysis 11

   2. Hardness Testing 11

   3. Electrical Conductivity 11

   4. Microstructure—Grain Size 11

   5. Dimensions 11

8. Commercial Order Data Information 17

Informative Annexes

Annex A (Informative)—Additional Material Properties Information 19

Annex B (Informative)—Color Coding of Rod and Bar Stock 23

Annex C (Informative)—Informative References 25

Annex D (Informative)—Overview of the ISO Standard 27

Annex E (Informative)—Requesting an Official Interpretation on an AWS Standard 31

List of AWS Documents on Resistance Welding 33

AWS J1.3/J1.3M:2020

AWS J1.3/J1.3M:2020

List of Tables

Table Page No.

1. RWMA Classification System Overview 4

2. RWMA Classified Materials – Common Usage 5

3. Material Compatibility 7

4. Standard Chemical Compositions of RWMA Class Materials 8

5. Group A – Physical and Mechanical Properties for RWMA Class 1, 2, 3, 4 9

6. Group B – Physical and Mechanical Properties for Class 10 – 14 – (Rod and Bar) 9

7. Group C – Physical and Mechanical Properties for Class 20 – 22 (Rod and Bar) 10

8A. Alloy Rod and Bar Stock Products Tolerances (in) 12

8B. Alloy Rod and Bar Stock Products Tolerances (mm) 13

9A. Tolerances for Cast Shapes (in) 14

9B. Tolerances for Cast Shapes (mm) 14

10-A. Allowances for Forged Products (in) 15

10-B. Allowances for Forged Products (mm) 16

1. Additional Typical Properties for Class 1 thru 4 Properties 20

2. RWMA Typical Properties for Class 3 and Class 4 Properties in Unaged Condition 21

B.1 Color Coding of Rod and Bar Stock 23

1. ISO System for Classification of Materials 27

2. Material Cross Reference 28

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3. Hardness Conversion Reference Table 29

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Specification for Materials Used in Resistance Welding Electrodes and Tooling

1. General Requirements

   1. Scope. This standard addresses common copper alloy and composite materials employed in the manufacture of resistance welding electrodes, resistance welding dies, and related components such as adapters, holders, and structural components of the welding circuit.

      This standard addresses bar, rod (straight lengths and coils), plate, and casting forms of select materials. The standard does not address material in sheet form.

      The standard does not include all copper and copper base materials that may be applied in the construction of resistance welding machines or tooling. Examples of materials not currently covered are: electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper, brass, and bronze.

      Unique, specialized, and new materials exist in domestic and international marketplaces and their absence here should not be interpreted as a commentary on their suitability for a particular application.

   2. Units of Measurement. This guide makes use of both the U.S. Customary Units and International System of Units [SI]. The latter are shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. The measurements may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently.

   3. Safety. 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 the following sources:

      American Welding Society:

      1. ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

      2. AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

      3. Other safety and health information on the AWS website Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or Product Safety Data Sheets (PSDS), supplied by materials manufacturers.

2. Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers Applicable Regulatory Agencies

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when devel- oping the safety program.