Welding is a "special process" whose result cannot be fully verified by inspection of the finished product alone. Weld quality is therefore ensured by keeping the process itself under control. EN ISO 3834 does exactly that: it defines the quality requirements that fusion welding manufacturers must meet.
Parts of the standard
- EN ISO 3834-1: Criteria for selecting the appropriate level of quality requirements.
- EN ISO 3834-2: Comprehensive quality requirements.
- EN ISO 3834-3: Standard quality requirements.
- EN ISO 3834-4: Elementary quality requirements.
- EN ISO 3834-5: Documents needed to claim conformity (referenced standards).
Which level is right for you?
The choice depends on the product standard, the safety criticality of the fabrication, product complexity and customer requirements. EN 1090-2 calls for 3834-3 for EXC2 and 3834-2 for EXC3/EXC4. EN 15085 CL1 and CL2 require 3834-2, and 3834-2 is also generally preferred in pressure equipment (EN 13445) manufacturing.
Core requirements (3834-2 example)
- Review of requirements and technical review: Evaluation of contract and design requirements from the welding point of view.
- Subcontracting: Control of outsourced services (NDT, heat treatment).
- Welding personnel: Certified welders and operators; welding coordination personnel per EN ISO 14731.
- Inspection and testing personnel: Qualification under EN ISO 9712.
- Equipment: Suitability, maintenance and calibration/validation (EN ISO 17662).
- Welding activities: Production plan, WPS, WPQR, work instructions.
- Consumables: Storage, baking, batch control.
- Parent material storage and traceability.
- Post-weld heat treatment.
- Inspection and testing: Before, during and after welding.
- Non-conformance and corrective actions.
- Calibration of measuring, inspection and testing equipment.
- Identification and traceability.
- Quality records.
Certification roadmap
Gap analysis → establishing the welding coordination structure → completing WPQR/WPSs and welder certificates → building the procedure and record system → internal audit → certification body audit → annual surveillance. In our experience, preparation takes between 2 and 6 months depending on the company's starting point.
Contact us for gap analysis, system set-up and external welding coordination services in your EN ISO 3834 certification process.