ISO 3834
ISO 3834 is a standard that sets out the Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding
What is ISO 3834?
The international standard, ISO 3834 – defines the Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials, both for those who carry them out and for those who evaluate them.
ISO 3834 integrates perfectly with other regulations, divided into 6 parts, and is regarded as the welding quality requirement benchmark of the 21st century and certified compliance means global recognition of a company’s capabilities, guaranteeing
customers the conformity of products and processes. By defining the quality standards to be respected, it provides a solid basis for assessing the ability of a manufacturer in the welding process.
Whilst the most well-known standard is ISO 9001, which outlines the requirements of quality standards, ISO 3834 sets the standards for welding quality and is complementary to
ISO 9001. ISO 3834 identifies all factors that could affect welding quality. It does not specify quality standards for the finished product only but also for every stage of the work in progress. ISO 3834 prescribes that welding services and component suppliers
have to ensure a systematic approach to welding by continuously improving and applying process management in the manufacture, repair and maintenance of components. Overall, organizations can increase customer satisfaction and
competitiveness, ensure greater reliability and ensure a longer equipment life span, as well as improved health and safety standards.
WHY CHOOSE ISO 3834
Many companies globally, are ISO 9001 certified. However, where a special process such as fusion welding is used, ISO 9001 fails to demonstrate the specialist capability
required by a company to manufacture products according to the necessary quality standard.
ISO 3834 certification overcomes this shortfall by controlling the entire lifecycle of the welding process, from design right through to inspection. All aspects that could affect weld quality are considered. This type of approach is essential because it is impossible to undertake complete verification of a welded joint without destroying it.
Unfortunately, inspection after completion does not guarantee weld serviceability. As such, quality must be built into the welding process, right from the very beginning.
DOCUMENTED QUALITY SYSTEM
A documented quality system also referred to as a weld process control system, enables you to monitor, document and demonstrate that you are meeting all the processes, technical specifications and performance standards required for fusion welded products. Records of any non-conforming products, processes or materials are kept to make any requisite improvements. ISO 3834 builds a weld process control system into welding management to ensure quality, optimize manufacturing costs, and reduce expensive repairs and rework. A weld process control system is a structured approach that covers all phases of the welding process.
ISO 3834-1
Provides criteria for the selection and use of ISO 3834. Manufacturers should select the appropriate level of quality requirements by primarily considering the safety-critical nature of the products manufactured and the extent of dynamic loading the product will be exposed. In addition the complexity of the manufacturing process, range of products manufactured and range of materials used together with weldability issues should be considered when selecting the level of quality requirements the manufacturer wishes to claim conformance to.
ISO 3834-2
Defines the Comprehensive Quality Requirements which should be selected for the manufacture of products where there are significant safety factors with high static and dynamic loadings and the materials are designed for high performance applications. The manufacturing process also requires high levels of control and testing with extensive Non-Destructive Testing and Post Weld Heat Treatment. Manufacture of boilers, pressure equipment and welding of exotic materials would be examples where the manufacturers should comply to this requirements level. The Pressure Equipment Regulations and SANS 347 requires manufacturers to be certified as per ISO 3834 Part 2 requirements.
ISO 3834-3
Defines Standard Quality Requirements which can be selected by manufacturers which produce products that are still of a safety critical nature, but the manufacturer uses readily weldable materials and limited control and testing is required. Manufacturers of structural steel would be an example of which would be well suited to Standard Quality Requirements as these manufacturers will generally use limited welding processes and products are manufactured from carbon steel only.
ISO 3834-4
Defines Elementary Quality Requirements which is suited to mass produced welded products of simple construction where there are minimal safety concerns and the mechanical loads on the welds are low. Typical products that could be manufactured to this level of quality requirements are furniture components and home appliances.
ISO 3834-5
References documents with which it is necessary to conform, in order to claim conformity to the quality requirements of ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 or ISO 3834-4. In any control system, there is a need for documentation.
What are the benefits of ISO 3834?
ISO 3834 provides the manufacturer with a higher level of confidence in the ability to consistently achieve and maintain
compliance with regulatory requirements. It can also help to minimize defects and failures which might adversely affect public/worker safety and damage a manufacturer’s reputation & marketability. The purpose of the standard is primarily
aimed at improving the quality of welded products produced by fabricators so that sound welds are produced on a consistent
basis thus helping local fabricators become more competitive in both the local and global marketplaces. Acquiring ISO 3834
certification, immediately confirms a fabricator’s competency level to end-users.
Improve your company’s credibility & identity locally & globally.
Reduced or mitigated risk and continual improvement.
Improved procedures & processes; Enhanced customer satisfaction.
Increases your company’s marketability.
Reduced cost and overheads.
Assurance of built-in weld quality and consistency of welded materials.