Overview
ISO 14272:2016 - "Resistance welding - Destructive testing of welds - Specimen dimensions and procedure for cross tension testing of resistance spot and embossed projection welds" specifies specimen geometry and a standardized test method to determine the tensile force that spot and projection welds can sustain. The standard applies to overlapping metallic sheets with thickness from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and to welds whose maximum diameter does not exceed 7√t (t = sheet thickness in mm). The primary measured outcome is the cross tension strength (CTS) - the maximum force obtained in the test.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Specimen dimensions and configuration: Standardized test specimen layout and welding jig arrangements are provided to ensure repeatable specimens for cross tension testing.
- Scope limits: Applicable to spot and embossed projection welds in overlapping sheets of any metallic material with thickness 0.5–3 mm and weld diameter ≤ 7√t.
- Minimum sample size: At least eleven specimens shall be tested to produce valid results.
- Testing equipment and procedure:
- Use a tensile testing machine that meets ISO 7500-1 requirements (verification/calibration of force-measuring system).
- Specimens are clamped (or hydraulically clamped) and pulled in cross tension until failure.
- Tests are performed at room temperature.
- Measure and record cross tension force and determine weld diameter from the fractured specimen.
- Generate a load–elongation diagram for deformation information.
- Results and reporting: Record individual values, mean and standard deviation for CTS and weld diameter, failure mode, welding process/conditions, material, specimen dimensions, and any special remarks (report items a–i as specified in the standard).
- Failure classification: Failure modes are reported in accordance with the vocabulary and failure types in ISO 17677-1 and related guidance (e.g., ISO 14329).
Practical applications and users
ISO 14272:2016 is used to:
- Validate and compare the tensile performance of resistance spot and projection welds.
- Support welding process development, parameter optimization, and material selection.
- Perform quality control and supplier qualification testing in manufacturing.
- Investigate failure modes and correlate weld geometry to strength.
Typical users include:
- Welding engineers and metallurgists
- Quality assurance and testing laboratories
- OEMs and suppliers in automotive, aerospace, appliance, and general metal fabrication industries
- Research and development teams working on resistance welding processes
Related standards
- ISO 17677-1 - Vocabulary and failure mode definitions for spot, projection and seam welding (referenced for terminology and failure classification).
- ISO 7500-1 - Verification and calibration of force-measuring systems for tensile testing machines (equipment requirements).
- ISO 14329 - Destructive tests - failure types and geometric measurements for resistance spot, seam and projection welds (related failure characterization).
Keywords: ISO 14272:2016, resistance welding, cross tension testing, spot welds, projection welds, specimen dimensions, destructive testing, cross tension strength (CTS), weld testing, weld quality.