AWS C1.3-70 (1985) PDF

Full title and description

St AWS C1.3-70 (1985) — Recommended procedure / recommended practices for resistance welding of coated low carbon steels. The document provides practical guidance and specifications intended to assist operators and engineers in producing reliable resistance welds when base material surfaces are coated (for example, galvanized or aluminized coatings) and when coating chemistry or thickness can affect weld quality.

Abstract

This standard (designated AWS C1.3-70) summarizes recommended practices for resistance welding of coated low‑carbon steels, including selection of electrode geometry and materials, recommended weld schedules and current/time settings, surface preparation and cleaning, effects of common coatings (zinc, aluminum, terne, etc.), inspection and testing considerations, and mitigation of coating-related defects. The document was originally published by the American Welding Society and has been recorded in AWS historical listings.

General information

• Status: Historical / archived AWS document (original AWS designation C1.3:1970; listed as a historical/recommended procedure in AWS catalogue).
• Publication date: Original AWS designation: 1970 (C1.3-70). (Document records show DoD adoption/notice dated 10 July 1985.)
• Publisher: American Welding Society (AWS).
• ICS / categories: Welding, brazing and soldering — ICS 25.160 (Welding and allied processes).
• Edition / version: Designation C1.3-70 (original issue 1970); listed in some records with an R1987 notation indicating a recorded reaffirmation/reissue cycle.
• Number of pages: Approximately 11 pages (document product listings and resellers commonly list 11 pages).

Scope

The standard addresses recommended procedures and practical considerations for resistance welding of low‑carbon steels that carry metallic coatings (for corrosion protection or other functional finishes). It is intended to guide choice of electrode materials and shapes, welding current/time schedules and force, pre‑ and post‑weld handling, methods to reduce coating interference (e.g., coating redistribution, expulsion, contamination of electrodes), and acceptance/inspection practices specific to welded joints where coatings are present. The guidance is process‑focused (resistance spot and seam welding) rather than a full specification for all contract requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of common coating types (zinc, zinc alloys, aluminum, terne) and how each affects resistance welding behavior.
• Recommended electrode materials and geometries for coated low‑carbon steels to manage coating transfer and maintain electrode life.
• Typical weld parameter guidance (current, squeeze time, weld time, hold time, and force) adapted for coated surfaces.
• Surface preparation and cleaning practices to minimize coating contamination and ensure repeatable welds.
• Inspection and testing recommendations, including visual criteria, mechanical testing and where applicable, nondestructive checks to detect coating‑related defects.
• Operator and process controls to reduce variability (electrode maintenance, machine calibration, process monitoring).

Typical use and users

Used by welding engineers, process technicians, production supervisors and quality engineers in industries that resistance‑weld coated low‑carbon steels (automotive body assembly, appliance manufacturing, general fabrication). Also used as a reference by standards librarians, procurement staff and DoD activities when historical AWS guidance is needed for legacy drawings or contracts.

Related standards

Part of the AWS C1 series on resistance welding. Other related AWS documents include the general recommended practices for resistance welding (C1.1) and later/specification documents for resistance welding of carbon and low‑alloy steels (e.g., C1.4 series) and technician qualification specifications. For current committee activity and newer C1 series documents, consult AWS C1 committee publications.

Keywords

resistance welding; coated steel; galvanized steel; aluminized steel; low‑carbon steel; electrodes; weld schedule; AWS C1.3; welding practice; spot welding; seam welding.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AWS C1.3-70 is an AWS recommended procedure/recommended practices document covering resistance welding of coated low‑carbon steels (original AWS designation dates to 1970). It is cataloged as a historical AWS document.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers practical recommendations for welding coated low‑carbon steels — electrode selection and maintenance, parameter guidance (current/time/force), surface preparation, inspection/testing considerations, and how to mitigate coating‑related welding defects.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Welding engineers, production and quality personnel in industries that perform resistance welding on coated sheet or strip (automotive, appliance, general manufacturing), plus standards librarians and procurement or contracting staff working with legacy specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This specific designation is treated as a historical AWS document (original issue 1970). Users should check current AWS C1 series publications for up‑to‑date recommended practices and specifications; AWS maintains more recent C1.x documents addressing resistance welding practices and specifications. The document was recorded in DoD adoption notices in 1985 for specific use by military activities.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the AWS C1 family (C1 committee on resistance welding). The C1 series contains general recommended practices, specifications for materials and qualification guides related to resistance welding.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Resistance welding, coated low‑carbon steel, galvanized, aluminized, electrodes, weld schedule, AWS C1.3-70, spot welding, seam welding.