8515.80.00 - Other machines and apparatus

HTS Code 8515.80.00 encompasses "Other machines and apparatus" within the broader category of electric soldering, brazing, welding, and metal spraying equipment. This classification serves as a residual category for machines and apparatus that utilize electric power, laser, electron beam, ultrasonic, magnetic pulse, or plasma arc for joining or coating metals and cermets, but do not fit into the more specific subheadings within 8515. This includes, but is not limited to, electric machines and apparatus for the hot spraying of metals or cermets, which utilize electrical energy to melt and propel metallic or cermet particles onto a substrate for protective or functional coatings.

This category is distinguished from its sibling categories by its inclusion of processes and apparatus not explicitly defined as resistance welding, arc welding, or general brazing and soldering machines. For instance, while siblings might cover specific resistance welding machines for metal seams, 8515.80.00 would capture devices with different operational principles or specialized applications within the welding and joining domain that are electrically powered. Similarly, it excludes those solely dedicated to manual brazing or soldering operations if they fall under more specific HTS entries.

Within 8515.80.00, two subcategories exist to further refine classification. The first, 8515.80.00.40, specifically addresses "Ultrasonic welding machines." These machines use high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations to create a solid-state weld. The second subcategory, 8515.80.00.80, acts as a further residual, covering all other machines and apparatus falling under the scope of 8515.80.00 that are not ultrasonic welding machines. This structure allows for precise classification of a wide array of electrically powered joining and coating equipment, ensuring accurate tariff application.