EN ISO 3834-3
What is EN ISO 3834-3? (Standard Quality Requirements)
EN ISO 3834-3 is an international quality management standard for welding, defining the “Standard Quality Requirements” for the fabrication of metallic materials. It helps control welding processes, improve product reliability, and ensure traceability in sectors such as steel construction, metal manufacturing, and machinery production.
Ideal for welded products with medium-level technical requirements, EN ISO 3834-3 ensures that critical processes—such as WPS/WPQR management, welder qualifications, and production inspections—are carried out according to international standards. This allows companies to achieve the right balance between quality and cost.
Purpose of EN ISO 3834-3
The main objective of this standard is to reduce welding errors, improve product reliability, and certify an organization’s welding competence. It provides an ideal framework for companies producing medium-level complexity welded products.
Sectoral Applications of EN ISO 3834-3
EN ISO 3834-3 offers a robust quality framework for welding activities commonly found in steel construction and metal manufacturing sectors, such as:
- Medium-load steel joints
- Machine frames, support arms, and platforms
- Industrial equipment and mechanical components
- Welding of medium-thickness sheets and profiles
- Modular construction elements
- Welded mechanical systems
For high-risk products like pressure vessels, bridges, and heavy steel structures, EN ISO 3834-2 is preferred.
Which Companies is EN ISO 3834-3 Suitable For?
EN ISO 3834-3 is suitable for companies engaged in:
- Steel construction manufacturing
- Machinery and equipment production
- General manufacturing and workshop-based fabrication
- Simple to medium-level welded products
- Subcontractors producing welded components
For high-risk or safety-critical production (pressure vessels, bridges, specialized structures), EN ISO 3834-2 is recommended.
Technical Requirements of EN ISO 3834-3
The standard covers all stages of welded production and defines comprehensive quality requirements:
1. Welder and Operator Qualifications
- Welder certification according to EN ISO 9606
- Operator qualification according to EN ISO 14732
- Monitoring and renewal of qualification validity
- Records of welder performance assessments
2. Welding Procedure Approval (WPQR) & WPS Management
- Preparation of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
- WPQR approvals in accordance with EN ISO 15614 or related standards
- Verification of field compliance with WPS
- Recording process parameters (heat input, current, travel speed, number of passes, etc.)
3. Material, Consumable & Equipment Controls
- Verification of steel grades, thicknesses, and profiles
- Compliance of consumables (wire, electrodes, gases) with manufacturer specifications
- Calibration records of equipment and measuring devices
- Proper storage and moisture control (especially essential for basic electrodes)
4. Pre-, During-, and Post-Production Inspections
- Checking weld preparation and joint geometry
- Placement, clamping, and tack welding
- Weld sequencing
- Monitoring welding parameters (current, voltage, travel speed, etc.)
- Mandatory Visual Testing (VT) after welding
- Additional NDT (PT, MT, UT, RT) when required
- Nonconformance analysis and corrective action
- NDT may be mandatory depending on project specifications
5. Documentation & Traceability
- WPS and WPQR files
- Material certificates (EN 10204 2.2 or 3.1)
- Welding process control forms
- Heat treatment procedures and records
- Welder/operator qualification certificates
- Inspection and test reports
- Machine maintenance and calibration logs
- Welding consumable inspection documentation
Benefits of EN ISO 3834-3 Certification
- Internationally recognized quality assurance for medium-level welded fabrication
- Higher supplier qualification scores in steel construction projects
- Reduction of welding defects and increased process stability
- Strong advantage during customer and third-party audits
- Repeatability ensured through structured WPS/WPQR management
- Stronger corporate quality system and documentation discipline
Achieve World-Class Welding Quality
Bring your welded manufacturing processes to global standards with EN ISO 3834-3 certification. Improve product quality, customer confidence, and overall welding performance.