Description / Abstract: Introduction

Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

Purpose. This standard provides the acceptance criteria and repair methods for arc welds and arc brazes in automotive products for which GM is responsible for establishing or approving product design.

Applicability. This standard applies to the following types of arc welding or arc brazing processes: Arc Welding:

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

• Flux Cored Arc Welding

• Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW)

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

• Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) Arc Brazing:

• Arc Braze Welding (ABW)

• Gas Tungsten Arc Brazing (GTAB)

• Plasma Arc Brazing (PAB)

This standard applies to welded/brazed joints in all ferrous metals (steels) and non-ferrous metals (aluminum, magnesium, copper, etc.) that are approved by GM. The criteria established in this standard become mandatory when referenced on a weld design document. Deviations from any criteria provided in this standard must be identified on a weld design document. Deviations from any criteria provided in this standard must be identified on a weld design document for a program specific product and approved by peer review including the lead weld engineer and arc welding subject matter expert (SME).

Usage. In this standard, the terms “braze and brazing” are used interchangeably with “weld and welding” (unless specifically stated), however they are not evaluated in the same manner. Welded structures are considered satisfactory when they carry the intended service loads for a required period. Service loads on weldments in a vehicle are varied in both type and magnitude and cannot be addressed by this standard. Therefore, while weld quality criteria of this standard are consistent with service loading requirements, they have been established specifically for use in process and product monitoring. Any attempted application of this document to other uses, such as post-crash braze/weld quality assessment, may lead to an erroneous result or conclusion. Discrepant brazes/welds by retaining a portion of their engineering properties may still satisfy product performance requirements.

Clarification. For clarification of this standard or editorial comments, email the GM Global Welding and Joining Council at weld.council@gm.com.

Proposed changes to this standard must be presented to the GM Global Welding and Joining Council. To suggest a change to this standard email the GM Global Welding and Joining Council at weld.council@gm.com.