In human life, the resource occupies a lot of space, even if unaware. Welding is a continuous manufacturing method used in pots, bridges, rail vehicles, automobiles, medical devices, computers, steel roofs and many other unimaginable products or structures. Welding is a critical method for joining materials in manufacturing sectors. Welded joints are used in many structures such as pipelines, boilers, pressure equipment and steel structures. The reliability and quality of such structures depends on the quality level of direct welded joints.
The biggest problem in welding processes is that there are errors which can be hard to detect. Some of these errors can be detected by non-destructive testing methods, and most of the characteristics that make up the quality can only be detected by destructive testing methods. However, it is not possible to apply the destructive inspection method in the finished products and structures. In non-destructive testing methods, it may not be possible to fully understand that the weld meets the expected durability and quality conditions. Therefore, quality must be ensured at the design and manufacturing stages and all processes must be controlled by an effective quality system. In this way, the quality of the welding process will be increased and the cost savings will be achieved by performing the welding operations effectively and providing the appropriate controls in all processes.
Efficiency, quality and reliability of welded structures in welded manufacturing sectors can only be achieved by applying the correct processes and welding methods. To ensure reliability and quality, all stages of welded manufacturing must be effectively controlled.
Certification Systems in Welded Manufacturing
Certification systems used in welded manufacturing activities play an important role in ensuring quality and protecting customers. ISO 9000 series quality management standards can be applied to any company regardless of the sector. However, welded manufacturing is a special process in which the quality of the finished manufacturing cannot be proved by subsequent tests. There is a need for special control processes that provide technical knowledge and experience. For this reason, ISO 9000 standards alone are insufficient to check that the manufacturing is done correctly. Because, in order to ensure the quality of the weld, it is necessary to constantly inspect and keep it under control before, during and after production.
In this regard, many standards have been developed in this field to ensure the quality of products and structures originating from this aspect. These developed standards are mainly focused on the welding method and the properties of the connection. The certification systems used in the welded manufacturing sector play an important role in ensuring quality and protecting customers.
The first standard that defines the quality requirements for arc welding of metallic materials is the EN 1994 standard (Quality Requirements for Welding. Fusion Weding of Metallic Materials) published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in 729. This standard has been used by businesses until recently.
In the same year, the International Standards Organization published the ISO 3834 standard. This standard was similar to the EN 729 standard. In 2005, these two organizations (ISO and CEN) came together and finally agreed to publish the ISO 3834 Welded Manufacturing Management System standard. The scope of this standard has expanded considerably in a short period of time, and many CEN standards and European Union directives have been referred to the ISO 3834 standard. The safety standard is an example of this: the European Union pressure vessels directive 97 / 23 / EC46 and EN 13814 Gaming and Entertainment Area Structures and Machines.
Structure of ISO 3834 Standard
The main parts of the ISO 3834 standard are as follows:
- Section 1: Criteria for selecting the appropriate step in terms of quality expectations
• Section 2: Comprehensive quality requirements
• Section 3: Standard quality requirements
• Section 4: Basic quality requirements
• Section 5: Standards to be used to certify compliance with the quality requirements of ISO 3834-2, 3834-3 or 3834-4 standards
The ISO 3834 standard is independent of the type of product or structure. Therefore, it can be applied both in open area, on construction sites and in welding works in workshops or factories. This standard provides a guide for manufacturers to meet and maintain welding quality requirements. In addition, when preparing a contract, it is also used as the specification of the source quality activity. Third parties or customers may also use this standard to evaluate the quality performance of welding processes.
In order to implement the ISO 3834 Welded Manufacturing Management System standard, the ISO 9001 standard must first be applied in the enterprise. Otherwise, when applying ISO 3834 standard quality requirements, some conditions such as ISO 9001 standard, control of documents and records, responsibilities of senior management, provision of resources, internal audit should be taken into consideration.
Benefits of ISO 3834 Standard
The expansion of the ISO 3834 standard, covering basic quality requirements and the most common manufacturing techniques and identifying specific quality requirements, allows manufacturers to more easily and effectively certify their competencies. Manufacturers with ISO 3834 certification can thus achieve the following benefits:
- Reduces job repetitions, repairs and repairs
- Works are completed at the scheduled time
- Increases national and international recognition for activating activities
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System fully meets welding requirements
- Resource-related activities are coordinated more efficiently
- More responsive and proactive workforce
- Employee job satisfaction rises
- Business can bid more easily for different jobs
- Lower operating costs
- New technologies are used more efficiently
- Reduces the need for audits by customers or customer representatives
- Assured that the product will be ready for delivery within the contract
- Welded product quality increases
- Greater reliability
- Expenditure on third-party independent audits decreases
ISO 3834 Standard Certification Works
After establishing and implementing the ISO 3834 standard, businesses can apply to an accredited certification body and request an ISO 3834 Certificate. Following the agreement with the certification body, the auditors who will perform the certification audit are determined and the works are initiated.
First, determine which part of the ISO 3834 standard will be applied for the enterprise, then an audit plan is prepared. In this plan, test samples to be prepared when necessary are determined. Then the ISO 3834 standard is set up and the preliminary inspection is started through the documentation studies prepared. After that, on-site examination of ISO 3834 standard applications is started. Field inspections to be carried out at the facilities or construction sites of the enterprise are evaluated for compliance with the relevant conditions. In the meantime, it is requested to eliminate the nonconformities seen, and if necessary, time is given for these studies.
It must be proved that the system established in the enterprise within the scope of audits assumes responsibility of the senior management, that all requirements of the standard are documented appropriately, that the system is accepted and implemented by all employees and that the necessary workflows are prepared and implemented.
A report is issued when the inspections are completed. Based on this report, if the accredited certification body is convinced that the enterprise meets the requirements of the standard, it will issue and submit the ISO 3834 Certificate, which demonstrates that they meet the quality requirements for welded manufacturing.
The validity of this document is maximum five years. However, annual audits are conducted every year to ensure that the company operates in compliance with the standard.
our organization TÜRCERT Technical Control and Certification Inc., ISO 3834 Welded Manufacturing Management System certification studies, national and international accreditation organizations are based on the authority.