What is ISO 9606-1?

ISO 9606-1:2017 is an international standard that specifies how to test and qualify welders who perform fusion welding on steel.

It makes sure that welders are skilled and capable of making strong, reliable welds  especially for jobs where safety, strength, and quality are critical (like in bridges, pipelines, buildings, pressure vessels, and more).

Who Is It For?

• Welders who weld steel using processes like:

  • SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)

  • MIG/MAG (Metal Inert/Active Gas Welding)

  • TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding)

  • FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding)

• Companies that want to ensure their welders meet international competency standards

• Inspectors and auditors who need to verify welder qualifications

What Does It Include?

To qualify under ISO 9606-1, a welder must:

1. Perform a test weld (on plates or pipes) under specific conditions.

2. Have the test weld examined using:

   • Visual inspection

   • Destructive tests (like bend tests)

   • Non-destructive tests (like X-ray or ultrasonic testing)

3. Meet the acceptance criteria for quality, strength, and appearance of the weld.

4. Be certified by a qualified examiner or body.

Purpose and Importance

• Ensures welders are competent, not just trained.

• Improves product safety, especially in industries where weld failure can be dangerous.

• Supports standardization, so welders can work across countries and industries.

• Allows companies to demonstrate compliance with quality standards (like ISO 3834, ASME, EN codes).

Validity of Welder Certificates

• A certificate is typically valid for 3 years, but it must be regularly confirmed (e.g., every 6 months) with proof that the welder has continued to use the process without major issues.

• If the welder stops welding for 6 months or more, requalification may be required.

In Simple Terms

ISO 9606-1 is like a driver's license for welders working with steel it proves they can do the job safely, correctly, and international quality standard

ISO 9606-1 is like a driver’s license for welders working with steel it proves they can do the job safely, correctly, and to an international quality standard.

What is ISO 9606-2?

ISO 9606-2 is part of the ISO 9606 series, which specifies how to qualify welders who perform fusion welding. This part—Part 2—specifically applies to aluminium and aluminium alloys.

It defines the testing procedures, acceptance criteria, and certificate requirements to make sure welders are technically competent and able to produce high-quality welds in real working conditions.

What Does ISO 9606-2 Include?

1. Welding Process and Conditions

• Specifies which welding process the welder must use (e.g., TIG or MIG).

• Defines the thickness of materials, types of joints (butt, fillet), and welding positions (flat, vertical, overhead).

2. Material Groups

• Aluminium is grouped into categories based on its composition.

• The welder must be tested on the specific group 

3. Welder Qualification Test

• The welder must perform a test weld in a controlled environment.

• The weld is assessed by:

  • Visual inspection (for surface quality)

  • Radiographic testing, bend testing, or other destructive/non-destructive tests (to assess internal quality)

4. Acceptance Criteria

• The test weld must meet strict quality standards: no cracks, undercuts, porosity, or other major defects.

5. Certification

• If the welder passes, they are issued a Welder Qualification Certificate.

• The certificate shows:

  • What materials they are qualified to weld

  • Which process and positions they can use

  • Test results

Validity and Renewal

• Initial certificate is valid for 2 years.

• It can be renewed or extended if:

  • The welder continues to work using the same process and materials

  • A supervisor confirms that the welder is still performing acceptably (via routine production checks)

If a welder stops welding for over 6 months, or switches to a different material group, they may need to requalify.

Who Needs ISO 9606-2 Certification?

Any industry that relies on high-quality aluminium welding, such as:

• Aerospace

• Automotive

• Shipbuilding

• Rail transport

• Building and construction

• Pipe and pressure vessel manufacturing

Employers need to be confident that their welders can work safely, especially in critical applications.

Why is ISO 9606-2 Important?

• It creates a consistent international standard, so welders in any country are held to the same performance expectations.

• It improves:

  • Safety

  • Reliability of welded structures

  • Global trade and workforce mobility

• It reduces the risk of weld failure, which can cause costly repairs or accidents.

What is ISO 9606-3?

ISO 9606-3 is an international standard that sets the rules for testing and certifying welders who weld copper and copper alloys using fusion welding.

It ensures that welders working with copper materials have the skills and knowledge needed to make strong, safe, and reliable welds.

What Materials Does It Cover?

• Copper (pure)

• Copper alloys, such as:

  • Bronze (copper + tin)

  • Brass (copper + zinc)

  • Other combinations (e.g., copper-nickel)

These materials are used in industries where corrosion resistance and electrical/thermal conductivity are important—like plumbing, shipbuilding, and electrical work.

What Does ISO 9606-3 Include?

1. Welder Qualification Test

• The welder must perform a test weld under exam conditions.

• The test simulates real work, using copper or a specific copper alloy.

• The test setup depends on:

  • Welding process

  • Joint type (e.g., butt weld, fillet weld)

  • Pipe or plate

  • Welding position (flat, horizontal, vertical, etc.)

2. Inspection and Testing

The finished weld is evaluated through:

• Visual inspection (surface defects)

• Mechanical testing (e.g., bend, fracture, or tensile tests)

• Possibly non-destructive testing (like X-rays or ultrasound)

3. Acceptance Criteria

• The weld must meet the standard’s quality levels:

  • No cracks, excessive porosity, or incomplete fusion.

  • Clean, consistent appearance.

4. Certification

• If the welder passes, they receive a Welder Qualification Certificate.

• The certificate shows:

  • What process, position, and materials the welder is qualified for.

  • That the welder can work safely and skillfully on copper materials.

Certificate Validity

• The qualification is valid for 2 years.

• It can stay valid if:

  • The welder continues using the process regularly.

  • A responsible supervisor confirms their ongoing performance.

If the welder stops using the process for over 6 months, or changes material types, they may need to requalify.

Who Needs ISO 9606-3?

Industries and companies that use copper welding, such as:

• Plumbing and heating systems

• Marine and shipbuilding

• Electrical and power installations

• HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)

• Pipework and pressure systems

Why is ISO 9606-3 Important?

• Ensures welder competence with copper materials, which behave very differently from steel or aluminium.

• Reduces defects, accidents, and rework.

• Supports international standards for safety and quality.

• Helps companies choose qualified welders with confidence.

What is ISO 9606-4?

ISO 9606-4 is an international standard that defines how to test and certify welders who weld nickel and nickel alloys using fusion welding.

It ensures that welders working with these materials are qualified and able to produce safe, high-quality welds.

What Materials Does It Cover?

• Pure nickel

• Nickel alloys, such as:

  • Inconel

  • Monel

  • Hastelloy

  • Other heat-resistant or corrosion-resistant nickel-based metals

Nickel alloys are commonly used in high-performance environments, such as:

• Chemical plants

• Aerospace

• Power plants (nuclear and thermal)

• Oil & gas

• Marine and offshore industries

What is Fusion Welding?

Fusion welding is a process where metals are melted at the joint to form a strong bond. Common fusion welding methods for nickel include:

• TIG welding (GTAW)

• MIG welding (GMAW)

• Manual metal arc welding (MMA or SMAW)

Nickel and its alloys are challenging to weld because they:

• Are heat-resistant

• Can absorb impurities easily

• Require precise control of heat input and cleanliness

So proper welder training and certification is critical — which is where ISO 9606-4 comes in.

What Does ISO 9606-4 Include?

1. Welder Qualification Test

The welder performs a test weld under controlled conditions using nickel or a nickel alloy. The test simulates real welding work and includes:

• Different welding positions (flat, vertical, etc.)

• Various joint types (butt welds, fillet welds)

• Plate or pipe forms

2. Testing and Inspection

The weld is inspected using:

• Visual inspection (surface quality)

• Mechanical testing (bend, fracture, tensile tests)

• Sometimes non-destructive testing (e.g., radiography)

The goal is to check for:

• Cracks

• Porosity

• Incomplete fusion

• Other internal or surface defects

3. Acceptance Criteria

The weld must meet strict quality standards as defined in the standard—no major defects are allowed.

4. Certification

If the welder passes the test, they receive a Welder Qualification Certificate that includes:

• The welding process used

• The type of material welded

• The thickness, diameter, and position covered

Certificate Validity

• Valid for 2 years

• Can be extended if:

  • The welder continues to use the process regularly

  • A supervisor or quality control system confirms ongoing good performance

If the welder stops welding for over 6 months, or changes material/process, they may need to retake the test.

Who Needs ISO 9606-4 Certification?

Welders working in industries that use nickel-based materials in critical applications, such as:

• Aerospace and aviation

• Chemical processing

• Power generation (especially nuclear)

• Oil and gas

• Marine and offshore engineering

Why is ISO 9606-4 Important?

• Ensures welders are skilled and competent to work with sensitive, high-value materials.

• Helps prevent weld failures, which can lead to major safety issues.

• Provides a universal standard for welder qualification across countries.

• Ensures compliance with industry regulations and project specifications.

What is ISO 9606-5?

ISO 9606-5 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for testing and certifying welders who use fusion welding on titanium and titanium alloys, as well as zirconium and zirconium alloys.

It ensures that welders working with these special, high-performance metals are properly trained, qualified, and capable of producing safe, high-quality welds.

What Materials Does It Cover?

• Titanium and titanium alloys
  Used in: aerospace, medical implants, chemical processing, and marine industries

• Zirconium and zirconium alloys
  Used in: nuclear reactors, chemical industry, and highly corrosive environments

These materials are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong—but very sensitive to contamination during welding. That’s why only qualified welders should work with them.

What is Fusion Welding?

Fusion welding is a process where the base metals are melted and fused together to create a joint. For titanium and zirconium, the most commonly used fusion welding processes are:

• TIG welding (GTAW) – preferred because of its precision and clean welds

• Plasma Arc Welding (PAW)

• Occasionally MIG welding (GMAW) or Manual Metal Arc (MMA/SMAW)

These metals require:

• Very clean environments

• Strict shielding gas coverage (usually argon)

• No contamination from air, moisture, or oils

What Does ISO 9606-5 Include?

1. Welder Qualification Test

The welder must:

• Perform a test weld using titanium or zirconium (or their alloys)

• Weld under realistic conditions: same process, position, and material type used in actual jobs

The test might involve:

• Welding plates or pipes

• Various joint types (e.g., butt welds, fillet welds)

• Different welding positions (flat, vertical, overhead, etc.)

2. Inspection and Testing

The weld is evaluated by:

• Visual inspection

• Mechanical tests (like bend or fracture tests)

• Non-destructive testing (such as radiography or ultrasonic testing)

The purpose is to detect:

• Cracks

• Porosity (tiny holes)

• Lack of fusion

• Contamination (which causes brittleness in these metals)

3. Acceptance Criteria

The weld must meet strict standards for quality. Any significant defect or contamination can lead to failure.

4. Certification

If the test is passed:

• The welder gets a Welder Qualification Certificate

• It shows which process, materials, thicknesses, and positions the welder is qualified for

Certificate Validity

• Valid for 2 years

• Can be extended if:

  • The welder continues using the same process regularly

  • A responsible supervisor confirms their work quality

If the welder stops using the process for over 6 months, or switches to different materials, they may need to retest.

Who Needs ISO 9606-5 Certification?

Welders working in industries where titanium or zirconium are used, such as:

• Aerospace

• Medical device manufacturing

• Chemical processing

• Marine/offshore

• Nuclear power and energy sectors

Why is ISO 9606-5 Important?

• Ensures welders can safely and effectively weld very sensitive, high-value metals

• Reduces the risk of defects, contamination, or structural failure

• Promotes international consistency in welder qualification

• Helps companies meet safety, quality, and industry compliance standards