Purpose/Material Description.

This specification outlines the acceptance criteria for visual and metallographic evaluation of steel butt welds made using laser beam (LB) or electron beam (EB) welding techniques. Compliance with this specification is mandatory, unless there is a specific note on the weld/engineering drawing that establishes different weld criteria. In case of any discrepancies or additional requirements on the print, the print takes precedence.

Welds are considered acceptable when they can withstand the intended or expected service loads for the required duration and meet the requirements specified in this document. However, it should be noted that service loads in vehicle weldments vary in type and magnitude, making it impossible to address them comprehensively in this specification. Therefore, while the weld quality criteria outlined in this specification align with service loading requirements, they have been established based on process and product monitoring. Attempting to apply this document to other purposes, such as post-crash weld quality assessment, may lead to inaccurate results or conclusions.

Welds are considered non-compliant when they do not meet the criteria specified in this document or fail to carry the expected service loads. Non-compliant welds shall not be re-welded; they shall be scrapped.