Welding Digest

Learn all about the D8 groups and how you can contribute 

This Standards Action story brings attention to the AWS D8 Committee on Automotive Welding and its subcommittees. Keep on reading to find out more about their importance in the automotive industry and volunteering opportunities. 

In the Passenger’s Seat with the AWS D8 Committee 

The AWS D8 Committee on Automotive Welding is a driving force in the automotive industry, shaping the landscape of welding and promoting efficiency and innovation. With various subcommittees focusing on specific processes, such as arc welding, resistance spot welding, laser welding, and friction stir welding, the committee covers all aspects of welding in the automotive sector. 

Our AWS published standards, including the following list, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the highest-quality welds in the automotive industry: 

• AWS D8.1M:2021, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Resistance Spot Welding of Steel 
• AWS D8.2M:2017, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Resistance Spot Welding of Aluminum Materials 
• AWS D8.8M:2021, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Arc Welding of Steel 
• AWS D8.9M:2022, Test Methods for Evaluating the Resistance Spot Welding Behavior of Automotive Sheet Steel Materials 
• AWS D8.10M:2021, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Laser Beam Welding of Steel 
• AWS D8.14M:2017, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Arc Welding of Aluminum 

Subcommittee Significance 

Discover what our subcommittees, operating under the guidance of the AWS D8 Committee, are focused on. 

D8C. The AWS D8C Subcommittee on Automotive Arc Welding focuses on developing standards for arc welding of steel and aluminum parts in the automotive industry. Its standards, including AWS D8.8M and AWS D8.14M, are widely utilized and cited within the automotive community, forming the foundation for quality programs with original equipment manufacturers and Tier suppliers. 

D8D. The AWS D8D Subcommittee on Automotive Resistance Spot Welding develops standards for resistance welding in the automotive industry. Its standards, including AWS D8.1M:2021, AWS D8.2M:2017, and AWS D8.9M:2022, are essential references within the automotive community and are integral to many quality programs. 

D8E. The AWS D8E Subcommittee on Automotive Laser Welding stands as a prominent contributor to the automotive welding industry’s progression. Responsible for drafting AWS D8.10M:2021, this subcommittee has displayed a commitment to high-quality welds. Building on this foundation, it is now embarking on a new journey with the creation of AWS D8.11M, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Laser Beam Welding of Aluminum. The subcommittee’s work plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of laser beam welding practices in the automotive sector, shaping its future standards. 

D8H. The AWS D8H Subcommittee on Automotive Friction Stir Welding is actively working toward the publication of AWS D8.17M, Specification for Automotive Weld Quality — Friction Stir Welding. This subcommittee’s dedication to advancing friction stir welding technology in the automotive field is evident. By developing comprehensive standards, it aims to enhance the quality and reliability of friction stir welding applications within the industry. 

Joining any of these subcommittees provides professionals and enthusiasts with an opportunity to actively contribute to the evolution of welding technology in the automotive sector. 

Our committee invites automotive professionals and welding enthusiasts to join its ranks. By becoming a member, individuals have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, contribute to the development of welding standards, and shape the future of automotive welding. The D8 Main Committee is looking for volunteers with specific interests, in particular educators, general interest, and users. 

If you’re interested in joining, please contact Mario Diaz, program manager, AWS Standards Development, at mdiaz@aws.org. You may also visit (aws.org/standards/committees). 

Together, we will foster a community dedicated to excellence and progress in the automotive industry.

This article was written by Hassan Ghassemi-Armaki (chair of the AWS D8 Committee and a staff researcher at General Motors Research & Development, Northville, Mich.) for the American Welding Society.