Different Welding Codes are a collection of basic guidelines or standardized practices for welding processes, procedures, and quality assurance. Welding codes specify the requirements for inspection, fabrication, repair, approved materials, weld testing, and design specifications for welding. Many specific organizations have developed welding codes such as the American Welding Society (AWS), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the British Standards Institution (BSI), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and OSHA. These codes ensure that welding operations are performed efficiently, safely, and with high-quality standards. In this article, we will discuss various aspects of different welding codes, parent organizations, requirements, etc.
Post Highlights:
- What are Welding Codes?
- Welding Coding Courses
- Welding Code Certification
- Welding Code Requirements
- Organizations Issuing Welding Codes
- Common Welding Codes
- Different Welding Codes
- Welding Military Standards
- Welding Defects Codes
- Welding Color Code
What are Welding Codes?
Welding codes are various established sets of standards, rules, and specifications. They provide guidelines for welding procedures, processes, quality assurance, and safety practices. The American Welding Society developed many welding codes including many organizations internationally. These codes serve as a reference for engineers, welders, inspectors, and other professionals working in the welding industry. They also provide specific requirements for factors such as welding processes, joint design, inspection/testing procedures, welder qualifications, and pre-weld and post-weld treatments.
Welder Coding Courses
Some welding coding courses include-
1. AWS CWI Preparatory Courses – Cover welding inspection techniques, welding codes/standards, and other relevant topics.
2. WPS and PQR Courses – Focus on understanding and developing WPS and PQR documents in accordance with specific welding codes such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX.
3. NDT Courses – Provide knowledge/skills in inspecting welds and ensuring quality by using liquid penetrant testing (PT), magnetic particle testing (MT), ultrasonic testing (UT), and radiographic testing (RT).
4. Welding Inspector Courses – Cover inspection techniques, weld quality, welding codes, and other related topics.
6. Welding Certification Courses – Provide guidance on the procedures, requirements, and documentation involved in qualifying welding procedures and welders according to specific standards and codes.
7. Online Learning Platforms – Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, offer welding courses covering welding codes and standards.
Welding Code Certification
Some common welding code certifications include-
1. AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – This certification demonstrates proficiency in various welding codes, including AWS D1.1 (structural steel), AWS D1.5 (bridge welding), and others.
2. ASME Welding Certification – ASME BPVC Section IX validates the individual’s ability to interpret and apply ASME welding code requirements for procedure qualification and welder certification.
3. ICC Welding Certification – This assesses the candidate’s knowledge and skills in specific welding codes and standards covering various disciplines including structural steel and bridge welding.
4. CWB Welding Certification – Demonstrates proficiency in Canadian welding codes and standards and covers various welding processes and materials commonly used in Canada.
5. EWF Welding Certification – Offers knowledge and skills on various European welding standards such as EN ISO 15614 for welding procedure qualification and EN ISO 9606 for welder qualification.
Welding Code Requirements
The requirements of welding codes arise due to obtaining desired welding quality using recommended parameters. Further, these requirements ensure that welders have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to produce high-quality welds.
Some common requirement elements include-
1. Education/Training – Welders need certain education and training before producing quality welds. Due to the demand for necessary welding processes, techniques, and safety practices, the requirement of welding codes become necessary. Various trade programs, vocational schools, or apprenticeships can provide appropriate training and education.
2. Qualification Testing – Welders require qualification testing to demonstrate their welding ability. Every project requires specific code requirements. This involves performing welding tests on specified joint configurations. They use approved welding procedures and meet specific acceptance criteria.
3. Skills/Competency – Another requirement of welders is to demonstrate proficiency in the relevant welding processes. They can include gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), or flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
4. Welding Procedure Qualification (WPS) – Some welding codes require welders to perform welds as part of a qualified welding procedure. This means following an approved welding procedure specification (WPS) that details joint design, material requirements, and welding parameters.
5. Visual Inspection/Documentation – To comply with the code requirements, welders may be required to visually inspect their own welds or provide documentation. This can include welder logbooks, weld maps, and inspection reports.
Organizations Issuing Welding Codes
Some prominent organizations include-
1. American Welding Society (AWS) – The apex body develops and publishes a wide range of welding codes and standards. The codes cover various aspects of welding (processes, materials, procedures, and quality requirements.)
2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – ASME publishes codes both for mechanical engineering and welding. The codes cover things like piping systems, pressure vessels, boiler construction, and guidelines for welding qualifications, processes, and inspections.
3. American Petroleum Institute (API) – The API issues welding codes related to the oil and gas industry. The codes cover areas such as storage tanks, pipeline welding, wellhead equipment, and compliance with safety and quality requirements.
4. Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) – CWB issues various welding codes to be followed in Canada. The codes cover various welding qualifications, processes, and inspection requirements.
5. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – ISO develops international standards for welding and various industries. The welding-related standards cover areas like welding procedures, welder inspection, qualifications, and acceptance criteria.
6. British Standards Institution (BSI) – BSI plays a lead role in developing welding standards in the United Kingdom. BSI welding codes are used widely in British industries.
7. European Welding Federation (EWF) – EWF coordinates and promotes welding-related activities in Europe. It develops standards widely used in Europe for welding processes, qualifications, and quality requirements.
8. Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) – DIN has developed several welding-related codes and is widely used in Germany. These standards also have influenced standards in other European countries as well.
9. International Institute of Welding (IIW) – This global organization brings together professionals from the welding industry. These individuals establish recommendations, guidelines, and best practices for welding materials, processes, and quality assurance.
Common Welding Codes
Commonly used welding codes include-
AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code-Steel) – This reveals guidelines for welding structural steel components used in bridges, buildings, and other steel structures. The code covers welding qualifications, inspection, procedures, and quality requirements.
AWS D1.2 (Structural Welding Code-Aluminum) – This code covers areas such as the welding of aluminum structures, including bridges, buildings, and other applications. Also, it provides specific requirements for aluminum welding procedures, processes, and inspection.
AWS D1.6 (Structural Welding Code-Stainless Steel) – This code covers details of welding of stainless-steel structures, including bridges, buildings, and other applications. The code specifies requirements for stainless steel welding qualifications, inspection, procedures, and quality.
ASME Section IX (Welding/Brazing Qualifications) – This ASME Section provides guidelines for qualifying welding/brazing procedures and welders/welding operators. The code covers various welding materials, processes, and inspection requirements.
API 1104 (Welding of Pipelines/Related Facilities) – The API code outlines the welding of pipelines and related facilities used in the oil and gas industry. This code covers specific pipeline welding procedures, qualifications, inspection, and quality requirements.
ISO 9606 (Qualification Testing of Welders-Fusion Welding) – This code specifies the requirements for the qualification testing of welders for fusion welding. This reveals various welding processes and guidelines for testing procedures and acceptance criteria.
ISO 15614 (Specification/Qualification of Welding Procedures for Metallic Materials) – This code covers the requirements for qualifying welding procedures for metallic materials. It outlines guidelines for documentation, testing, and qualification of welding procedures.
EN ISO 5817 (Welding-Fusion-Welded Joints in Steel, Nickel, Titanium, their Alloys) – This code specifies quality levels for fusion-welded joints in nickel, titanium, steel, and their alloys. The code defines different levels of imperfections in welded joints and provides visual inspection acceptance criteria accordingly.
Different Welding Codes
The list of all welding codes includes-
1. AWS Welding Codes
AWS A2.4 – Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Non-Destructive Examination
AWS A3.0 – Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
AWS A5.1 – Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
AWS A5.18 – Specification for Carbon Steel Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding
AWS B1.10 – Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds
AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding (steel)
AWS D1.2 – Structural Welding (aluminum)
AWS D1.3 – Structural Welding (sheet steel)
AWS D1.4 – Structural Welding (reinforcing steel)
AWS D1.5 – Bridge Welding
AWS D1.6 – Structural Welding (stainless steel)
AWS D1.7 – Structural Welding (strengthening and repair)
AWS D1.8 – Structural Welding Seismic Supplement
AWS D1.9 – Structural Welding (titanium)
AWS D8.1 – Automotive Spot Welding
AWS D8.6 – Automotive Spot-Welding Electrodes Supplement
AWS D8.7 – Automotive Spot-Welding Recommendations Supplement
AWS D8.8 – Automotive Arc Welding (steel)
AWS D8.9 – Automotive Spot Weld Testing
AWS D8.14 – Automotive Arc Welding (aluminum)
AWS D9.1 – Sheet Metal Welding
AWS D10.10 – Heating Practices for Pipe and Tube
AWS D10.11 – Root Pass Welding for Pipe
AWS D10.12 – Pipe Welding (mild steel)
AWS D10.13 – Tube Brazing (copper)
AWS D10.18 – Pipe Welding (stainless steel)
AWS D11.2 – Welding (cast iron)
AWS D14.1 – Industrial Mill Crane Welding
AWS D14.3 – Earthmoving and Agricultural Equipment Welding
AWS D14.4 – Machinery Joint Welding
AWS D14.5 – Press Welding
AWS D14.6 – Industrial Mill Roll Surfacing
AWS D15.1 – Railroad Welding
AWS D15.2 – Railroad Welding Practice Supplement
AWS D16.1 – Robotic Arc Welding Safety
AWS D16.2 – Robotic Arc Welding System Installation
AWS D16.3 – Robotic Arc Welding Risk Assessment
AWS D16.4 – Robotic Arc Welder Operator Qualification
AWS D17.1 – Aerospace Fusion Welding
AWS D17.2 – Aerospace Resistance Welding
AWS D18.1 – Hygienic Tube Welding (stainless steel)
AWS D18.2 – Stainless Steel Tube Discoloration Guide
AWS D18.3 – Hygienic Equipment Welding
2. ASME Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
ASME Section IX (Welding/Brazing Qualifications) – This ASME code provides guidelines for qualifying welding and brazing procedures, as well as welders and welding operators.
ASME B31.1 (Power Piping) – This standard outlines the requirements for the fabrication, design, inspection, installation, testing, and maintenance of power plant piping systems.
ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) – This code covers the fabrication, design, inspection, installation, testing, and maintenance of process piping systems found in various industries such as petroleum, chemical, and pharmaceutical.
ASME BPVC Section I (Rules for Construction of Power Boilers) – The section addresses the requirements for the installation, construction, and inspection of power boilers used in various industries.
ASME BPVC Section II (Materials) – This section details the requirements for materials used in the construction of pressure vessels, boilers, and other components. Also, the specifications for various types of materials such as alloys, metals, and non-metallic materials.
ASME BPVC Section III (Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components) – This section covers the requirements for the installation, fabrication, design, and inspection of nuclear facility components, including vessels, piping, and supports.
ASME BPVC Section V (Nondestructive Examination) – This section outlines the requirements for non-destructive examination methods (radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, visual inspection, and liquid penetrant testing) used in the fabrication and inspection of pressure vessels and other components.
ASME BPVC Section VIII (Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels) – This section covers the requirements for the installation, construction, and inspection of pressure vessels used in various industries.
3. API Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
API 1104 (Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities) – This code addresses the welding requirements for pipelines and related facilities used in the oil and gas industry. The standard covers welding qualifications, inspection, procedures, and quality requirements specific to pipeline welding.
API 620 (Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks) – This code outlines the design, installation, fabrication, and inspection of large, welded, low-pressure storage tanks and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage.
API 650 (Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage) – This standard covers the guidelines for the installation, fabrication, design, and inspection of welded steel storage tanks used for storing petroleum products, crude oil, and other liquids.
API 5L (Specification for Line Pipe) – This code outlines the requirements for seamless and welded steel line pipes used for transporting gas, oil, and other fluids in the petroleum industry.
API 6A (Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment) – This specification addresses the requirements for the manufacturing, design, and testing of wellhead and Christmas tree equipment used in oil and gas production.
API RP 577 (Welding Inspection and Metallurgy) – This practice covers the inspection and metallurgical aspects of welding in the petroleum industry, inspection techniques, welder qualifications, and quality control.
API RP 582 (Welding Guidelines for the Chemical, Oil, and Gas Industries) – This practice outlines the guidelines for the welding of equipment and structures in the oil/gas and chemical, industries. It also covers welding processes, materials selection, and quality requirements.
4. ISO Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
ISO 9606 (Qualification Testing of Welders-Fusion Welding) – The ISO code covers the requirements for the qualification testing of welders engaged in fusion welding. It also outlines various welding processes, guidelines for testing procedures, and acceptance criteria.
ISO 9609 (Welding-Approval Testing of Welders-Fusion Welding) – The code addresses the requirements for approval testing of welders engaged in fusion welding. Also, it explains acceptance criteria, specific test methods, and documentation requirements for the qualification of welders.
ISO 3834 (Quality Requirements for Welding) – This standard reveals the quality requirements for welding operations. It covers the criteria for quality management systems, material control, personnel competence, welding processes, inspection, and documentation to ensure the quality of welded products.
ISO 5817 (Welding-Fusion-Welded Joints in Steel, Nickel, Titanium, and their Alloys) – This code specifies quality levels for fusion-welded joints in nickel, titanium, steel, and their alloys. It also reveals different levels of imperfections and provides visual inspection acceptance criteria for welded joints.
ISO 14731 (Welding Coordination-Tasks and Responsibilities) – The standard outlines the responsibilities and qualifications of personnel involved in welding coordination. The code defines the tasks of welding coordinators and guidelines for their competence and qualifications.
ISO 15614 (Specification and Qualification of Welding Procedures for Metallic Materials) – This standard addresses the qualification of welding procedures for various metallic materials. The code provides guidelines for documentation, testing, and qualification of welding procedures to ensure their suitability and quality.
5. CWB Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
CSA W59 (Welded Steel Construction-Metal Arc Welding) – This standard outlines the requirements for welding in the construction, fabrication, and repair of steel structures using stick welding or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
CSA W47.1 (Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Steel) – This code defines the requirements for the certification of companies engaged in the fusion welding of steel structures. It also covers personnel qualifications, welding procedures, and quality control measures.
CSA W47.2 (Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Aluminum) – This standard outlines the certification requirements for companies engaged in the fusion welding of aluminum structures. It also defines the personnel qualifications, welding procedures, and quality control measures specific to aluminum welding.
CSA W47.1/W59/W186 (Welded Steel Construction-Metal Arc Welding) – This welding code addresses the guidelines for welding in the construction, fabrication, and repair of steel structures using various welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW.
CSA W178.2 (Certification of Welding Inspection Organizations) – This standard defines the requirements for the certification of organizations performing welding inspection services. The code covers the inspection procedures, qualifications of personnel, and quality management system requirements.
6. BSI Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
BS EN ISO 9606 (Qualification Testing of Welders-Fusion Welding) – This code reveals the requirements for the qualification testing of welders engaged in fusion welding. It also covers various welding processes, guidelines for testing procedures, and acceptance criteria.
BS EN 1090 (Execution of Steel and Aluminium Structures) – This standard outlines the execution requirements for the fabrication and assembly of steel and aluminum structures. It also covers quality control measures, welding requirements, and certification procedures for ensuring the structural integrity of fabricated components.
BS EN ISO 5817 (Welding-Fusion Welded Joints in Steel, Nickel, Titanium, and their Alloys) – This code covers the quality levels for fusion-welded joints in titanium, nickel, steel, and their alloys. It also defines different levels of imperfections and visual inspection acceptance criteria for welded joints.
BS EN ISO 15614 (Specification and Qualification of Welding Procedures for Metallic Materials) – This code specifies the requirements for the qualification of welding procedures for various metallic materials. Further, it defines the guidelines for documentation, testing, and qualification of welding procedures to ensure their suitability and quality.
BS 4872 (Approval Testing of Welders When Welding Procedure Approval is Not Required) – This standard outlines the requirements for the approval testing of welders in situations where welding procedure approval is not required. It also reveals the guidance on welder qualification testing for specific welding tasks.
BS 7910 (Guide to Methods for Assessing the Acceptability of Flaws in Metallic Structures) – This code provides the methods for assessing the acceptability of flaws in metallic structures. It also addresses the procedures for flaw assessment, including welds. It helps determine whether the flaws are within acceptable limits or require remedial actions.
7. EWF Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
EN ISO 9606 (Qualification Testing of Welders-Fusion Welding) – This code defines the requirements for the qualification testing of welders engaged in fusion welding. It also covers various welding processes, guidelines for acceptance criteria, and testing procedures.
EN ISO 5817 (Welding-Fusion-Welded Joints in Steel, Nickel, Titanium, and their Alloys) – This code specifies the quality levels for fusion-welded joints in titanium, nickel, steel, and their alloys. It also defines different levels of imperfections and visual inspection acceptance criteria for welded joints.
EN ISO 14731 (Welding Coordination-Tasks and Responsibilities) – This code outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of personnel involved in welding coordination. It also defines welding coordinators’ tasks and guidelines for their competence and qualifications.
EN ISO 15614 (Specification and Qualification of Welding Procedures for Metallic Materials) – This standard establishes the requirements for the qualification of welding procedures for various metallic materials. It covers the guidelines for documentation, testing, and qualification of welding procedures for ensuring suitability and quality.
EN 1090 (Execution of Steel and Aluminium Structures) – This code reveals the execution requirements for the fabrication and assembly of steel and aluminum structures. It outlines the quality control measures, welding requirements, and certification procedures for ensuring the structural integrity of fabricated components.
8. DIN Welding Codes
Some notable codes include-
DIN EN ISO 9606 (Qualification Testing of Welders-Fusion Welding) – This code addresses the requirements for the qualification testing of welders engaged in fusion welding. The outlines various welding processes, guidelines for acceptance criteria, and testing procedures.
DIN EN ISO 15614 (Specification and Qualification of Welding Procedures for Metallic Materials) – This code covers the requirements for the qualification of welding procedures for various metallic materials. It provides guidelines for documentation, testing, and qualification of welding procedures.
DIN EN ISO 5817 (Welding-Fusion-Welded Joints in Steel, Nickel, Titanium, and their Alloys) – This standard specifies the quality levels for fusion-welded joints in nickel, steel, titanium, and their alloys. It also defines the different levels of imperfections and provides visual inspection acceptance criteria for welded joints.
DIN EN ISO 17637 (Non-destructive Testing of Welds-Visual Testing of Fusion-welded Joints) – This standard covers the guidelines for the visual testing of fusion-welded joints. It reveals the equipment requirements, qualification of personnel, and inspection procedures for the visual examination of welds.
DIN EN 1090 (Execution of Steel and Aluminium Structures) – This code establishes the execution requirements for the assembly and fabrication of steel and aluminum structures.
It also outlines welding requirements, certification procedures, and quality control measures.
Welding Military Standards
There are several military standards that outline welding procedures, processes, and quality requirements. Typically, military organizations or agencies issue these standards to ensure the durability, reliability, and safety of welded structures and equipment. Some notable military codes include-
MIL-STD-22 (Welded Joint Design) – This code establishes the design requirements for welded joints in military applications. Further, it covers the guidelines for joint dimensions, configuration, and tolerances for weld strength, fatigue resistance, and longevity.
MIL-STD-278 (Nondestructive Testing Requirements for Metal Parts and Assemblies) – This standard defines the nondestructive testing (NDT) requirements for metal parts and assemblies used in military equipment. It also covers various NDT methods (ultrasonic testing, visual inspection, radiographic testing, and liquid penetrant testing).
MIL-STD-248 (Welding and Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification) – This code reveals the requirements for the qualification of brazing/welding procedures and the performance qualification of brazers/welders. It also outlines various materials, welding processes, and inspection requirements for military applications.
MIL-STD-1595A (Design of Weldments) – This standard addresses the design of weldments in military structures and equipment. It details material selection, weld accessibility, joint design, and fabrication considerations.
MIL-STD-1689 (Fabrication, Welding, and Inspection of Ship Structure) – This code covers the welding, fabrication, and inspection requirements for ship structures in the military. It outlines welding qualifications, inspection methods, procedures, and quality control measures specific to naval vessels.
Welding Defects Codes
Generally, there are no specific welding defect codes. But various welding standards reveal acceptance criteria and guidelines for identifying/classifying welding defects. These standards explain the types of defects, severity levels, and acceptable limits for different applications.
Some common welding defect address codes include-
AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code-Steel) – This code covers the acceptance criteria for various types of welding defects, such as porosity, lack of fusion, cracks, and excessive reinforcement.
ASME Section IX (Welding and Brazing Qualifications) – This code outlines the requirements for testing/acceptance criteria for welding defects based on the specific materials and applications.
API 1104 (Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities) – This standard includes the guidelines and acceptance criteria for various welding defects, such as lack of sidewall fusion, undercut, and excessive convexity.
BS EN ISO 10042 (Welding-Arc Welded Joints in Aluminum and its Alloys) – This code addresses the acceptance criteria for various welding defects, such as lack of fusion, porosity, and incomplete penetration.
ISO 5817 (Welding-Fusion-Welded Joints in Steel, Nickel, Titanium, and their Alloys) – This standard defines different levels of imperfections, such as misalignments, discontinuities, and undercutting. It also provides visual inspection acceptance criteria for welded joints.
Welding Color Code (Electrodes)
Basically, these color codes reveal the type of welding electrode or filler metal being used in a welding process. The color codes provide a quick visual indication of welding consumable characteristics and properties.
Some commonly used welding color codes include-
Electrode/Filler Metal Color Codes
1. American Welding Society (AWS) Color Codes
- E6010 (deep or light charcoal grey)
- E6011 (deep or light green)
- E6012 (light grey)
- E6013 (yellow)
- E7014 (copper or light grey)
- E7016 (dark grey or brown)
- E7018 (Low Hydrogen-Iron powder type: Low hydrogen coating-white)
- E7024 (Iron powder type: Light or dark grey)
2. European Standard (EN) Color Codes
- E6010 (deep or light charcoal grey)
- E6011 (Deep or light green)
- E6012 (Light grey)
- E6013 (Yellow)
- E7016 (Red or brown)
- E7018 (Low hydrogen – Iron powder type: Red or brown)
- E7024 (Iron powder type: Light or dark grey)
Gas Cylinder Color Codes
- Acetylene (maroon or red)
- Argon (dark green)
- Carbon Dioxide-CO2 (grey)
- Helium (brown)
- Hydrogen (light green)
- Nitrogen (black)
- Oxygen (green)
Summary
Different welding codes play a vital role in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of welding processes and welded structures. These welding codes establish various guidelines, and requirements for various welding qualifications, inspections, procedures, and materials. Various reputable organizations develop and publish different welding codes. The renowned names include the American Welding Society (AWS), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), etc. These stipulated welding codes ensure high-quality welds and enhance the reliability and longevity of welded structures and components. Different welding codes provide special guidelines for welders, inspectors, engineers, and other stakeholders for ensuring the industry standards and requirements.
