• Pre-ISO Era (Before 1947): Before ISO, countries had their own welding standards. The need for consistency grew, especially during World War II when welding became critical for manufacturing war materials.

• Formation of ISO (1947): ISO was founded to develop global standards. ISO/TC 44 (Technical Committee for Welding and Allied Processes) was established to focus on welding and related processes.

• Early Standards (1960s): ISO began publishing welding standards, focusing on basic welding procedures and qualifications.

• Key Standards Developed (1980s-1990s):

  • ISO 3834 (1980s): Set quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials.

  • ISO 9606 (1990s): Focused on welder qualification and certification.

  • ISO 14732 (1990s): Addressed the qualification of welding operators to ensure skill and safety.

• Ongoing Developments (2000s-Present): Standards like ISO 15614 (welding procedure qualification) were introduced, keeping pace with advancements in welding technologies. New standards continue to be created to address emerging trends like robotic welding and additive manufacturing.

The purpose of ISO standards in welding is to establish internationally recognized guidelines that ensure the quality, safety, and consistency of welding processes across industries. These standards help businesses, industries, and countries maintain high-quality welding operations and enable them to meet safety regulations and global trade requirements.

Key objectives of ISO standards in welding include:

1. Ensuring Quality: ISO standards ensure that welding processes, equipment, materials, and personnel meet high-quality standards, leading to reliable, durable, and defect-free welds.

2. Promoting Safety: Welding can be hazardous, so ISO standards outline safety procedures and equipment to protect workers and reduce risks in welding operations.

3. Standardizing Practices: By creating uniform practices across industries and borders, ISO welding standards help reduce discrepancies in quality, making it easier for companies to participate in global trade and international projects.

4. Certifying Skills: ISO standards, such as ISO 9606 and ISO 14732, provide frameworks for certifying welders and welding operators to ensure they are adequately skilled and qualified to handle complex tasks.

5. Facilitating International Trade: Many industries and projects require adherence to ISO welding standards to meet international requirements. Adopting these standards allows businesses in countries like the Philippines to access global markets and collaborate on large-scale projects.

1. Safety
   Ensures welded structures like bridges, buildings, and pipelines are strong and safe.

2. Global Alignment
   Matches international practices, helping Filipino companies and workers compete globally.

3. Quality Improvement
   Improves welding workmanship, reduces errors, and increases industry efficiency.

4. Certification Support
   Provides a clear basis for certifying welders, procedures, and welding companies.

5. Regulatory Compliance
   Adopted as PNS ISO to support Philippine laws and codes like the National Building Code.

In short: ISO standards help the Philippines build safer structures, boost industry quality, and stay globally competitive.

In the Philippines, ISO standards in welding are incorporated into the Philippine National Standards (PNS) by the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS). These standards are aligned with ISO guidelines to ensure that welding practices in the Philippines meet international quality, safety, and technical requirements.

• ISO 3834 is often adopted for quality management in welding, ensuring that welding procedures, equipment, and personnel comply with globally recognized standards.

• ISO 9606 is used to certify welders in the Philippines, ensuring they are qualified to perform specific welding tasks according to international standards.

• ISO 14732 helps train welding operators and ensure their qualifications meet the required safety and skill levels.

1.  Efficiency and Expertise
   Creating national standards from scratch requires high technical expertise, resources, and global research—which is costly and time-consuming. ISO standards are developed by global experts and are already well-established.

2. Global Compatibility
   Using ISO standards helps the Philippines align with international practices, which is crucial for:

1. • Export industries

   • Overseas Filipino workers

   • International contractors and investors

3. Proven Safety and Reliability
   ISO welding standards have been tested and refined worldwide. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the Philippines uses trusted guidelines that ensure safety and quality.

4. Legal and Trade Alignment
   Adopting ISO supports trade agreements (like WTO-TBT), and makes it easier for the country to participate in international projects and certifications.

5. Customization Is Still Possible
   The Philippines adopts ISO as PNS ISO (Philippine National Standard ISO), meaning it can add notes or adjustments based on local needs, regulations, or conditions.

1. Improved Welding Quality: ISO standards ensure high-quality and reliable welds that meet industry and safety requirements.

2. Global Competitiveness: Compliance with ISO standards helps Filipino manufacturers and construction companies meet international project specifications and compete globally.

3. Worker Safety: Ensures that welding operations follow strict safety protocols, reducing accidents and promoting a safer working environment.

In summary, ISO welding standards play a critical role in aligning Philippine welding practices with international best practices, ensuring high-quality and safe welding operations across industries.

The Philippines uses ISO standards because they are globally recognized, technically sound, and efficient to adopt. This approach saves time, ensures international compatibility, and supports local industry development.