What is ISO 18278-1 - Resistance welding about?
The ISO 18278 series is an international Standard that discusses various requirements of resistance welding-weldability.
ISO 18278-1 is the first part of the series that specifies procedures for assessing the generic weldability for resistance welding of uncoated and coated metals. It is assumed for ISO 18278 and other linked standards that their application is entrusted to appropriately trained, skilled, and experienced personnel.
Precise details of the test procedure to be used will depend on which aspect of items a) to d) will be evaluated relative to the welding result obtained.
Who is ISO 18278-1 - Resistance welding for?
ISO 18278-1 on resistance welding-weldability is applicable to:
- Construction, automotive, mechanical Industries
- Welding contractors
- Resistance welding equipment manufacturers
- Test laboratories
- Health and safety authorities
- Authorised training and qualification bodies responsible for ensuring that welding training and examinations adopt best practice
Why should you use ISO 18278-1 - Resistance welding?
Resistance welding is the joining of metals by applying pressure and passing current for a length of time through the metal area which is to be joined. 
ISO 18278-1 provides you with procedures for assessing the generic weldability for resistance welding of uncoated and coated metals.
Test methods provided in ISO 18278-1 are helpful for:
- Compare the metallurgical weldability of different metals
- Assess the weldability of differing component designs, e.g. dimensional configuration, stack-up, projection geometry, etc
- Investigate the effect of changes in welding parameters such as welding current, weld time, electrode force or complex welding schedules including pulse welding, current stepping etc. on weldability
- Compare the performance of resistance welding equipment
The ISO 18278-1 weldability guidelines give you the opportunity to improve the weldability of resistance spot welding, which in turn improves the quality of resistance welded joints.
What’s changed since the last update?
The standard was systematically reviewed by technical experts to ensure its continued market relevance. BS EN ISO 18278-1:2015 is a technical revision of the BS EN ISO 18278-1:2004 version which has been withdrawn.
