EN ISO 3834 is the international standard defining quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. It is divided into three levels: 3834-2 (Comprehensive), 3834-3 (Standard) and 3834-4 (Elementary). Each level corresponds to a different production complexity and risk level.
EN ISO 3834-2 is the most comprehensive set of requirements for a welding quality management system and is mandatorily required in high quality class products such as EN 1090 EXC3/4.
3834-2 / 3834-3 / 3834-4 Comparison
| Requirement | 3834-2 Comprehensive | 3834-3 Standard | 3834-4 Elementary |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPS / pWPS | Mandatory (with WPQR) | Mandatory (WPQR or std. WPS) | Standard WPS sufficient |
| Welder Certification | EN ISO 9606 mandatory | EN ISO 9606 mandatory | Competency record |
| Welding Coordinator | IWE / IWT mandatory | IWE / EWE sufficient | Not required |
| NDT Plan | Detailed plan mandatory | General plan sufficient | Limited |
| Material Traceability | Full (heat-based) | Partial | Basic |
| Welding Equipment Calibration | Periodic recorded calibration | Periodic check | Basic check |
| Typical Use | EN 1090 EXC3, PED Cat.III/IV, EN 15085 CL1 | EN 1090 EXC2, general fabrication | Secondary structures, low risk |
What EN ISO 3834-2 Requires
Key requirements a welding fabricator must fulfil under 3834-2:
- Technical Review: At the start of each contract, technical requirements, standard compliance and capability assessment must be carried out.
- Subcontracting: For welding work outsourced externally, the 3834 requirements must be passed on.
- Welding Personnel: Welders must be certified under EN ISO 9606-1/2; welding operators under EN ISO 14732.
- Welding Coordinator: A responsible person with technical knowledge at IWE/IWT/EWE level per EN ISO 14731 must be designated.
- Equipment: Welding equipment must be periodically calibrated and records kept.
- Production Planning: A welding plan, WPS references and NDT plan must be prepared for each job.
Certification Process
Steps for obtaining EN ISO 3834-2 certification:
- Establishing the quality system according to 3834-2 requirements (procedures, forms, record system)
- Application to an accredited certification body (e.g. TÜV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd's)
- Initial certification audit — document and site reviews
- Closing of non-conformances and approval
- Certificate issuance (typically 3-year validity with annual surveillance audits)
Relationship with ISO 9001: EN ISO 3834-2 does not cancel or fully replace ISO 9001. The two complement each other: ISO 9001 defines the general quality management framework; 3834-2 defines the technical requirements specific to the welding process.
Relationship with EN 1090
Every structural steel fabricator wishing to obtain CE certification under EN 1090 EXC3 must hold an EN ISO 3834-2 certificate. This certificate proves that the welding quality system has been independently verified by a certification body. At ArmaWeld, the EN ISO 3834-2 certificate is supported by a quality system operated under welding coordinator management, a WPS/WPQR library, a welder matrix and an NDT reporting chain.
EN ISO 3834-2 Certified Production
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