Overview
EN ISO 9017:2018 specifies standardized methods for conducting destructive fracture tests on welds in metallic materials. It provides requirements for the dimensions of test specimens and detailed procedures to reliably evaluate internal imperfections such as porosities, cracks, lack of fusion, lack of penetration, and solid inclusions on the fracture surfaces. The standard is applicable to all types of metallic materials with welded joints using any fusion welding process, for products with a thickness equal to or greater than 2 mm.
By following EN ISO 9017:2018, manufacturers, fabricators, and quality assurance professionals can gain consistent, objective data on weld integrity, supporting both production quality control and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
Key Topics
-
Test Specimen Dimensions
The standard details required sizes and forms of test pieces for both butt welds and fillet welds in plate and pipe configurations.
-
Fracture Testing Procedures
Procedures for carrying out fracture tests are outlined, including methods for inducing fracture through bending or tension, at specified temperatures and using various notch types to suit different materials and weld types.
-
Imperfection Identification
Fracture surfaces are examined to detect and classify types, sizes, and distributions of internal weld imperfections, using visual and low-magnification inspection.
-
Test Removal, Marking, and Preparation
Clear guidelines are provided for the extraction, marking, and preparation of test specimens, ensuring traceability and consistent testing conditions.
-
Test Reporting
The standard lists required content for test reports, such as specimen identification, test results, imperfection details, and quality levels evaluated according to relevant standards.
Applications
EN ISO 9017:2018 is widely used in industries where metal welding integrity is critical, such as:
-
Manufacturing & Fabrication
Ensuring quality and consistency in welded components for machinery, structures, and transportation equipment.
-
Construction & Infrastructure
Assessing welds in steel frameworks, bridges, and pipelines, where structural performance and safety are paramount.
-
Automotive, Aerospace, and Shipbuilding
Verifying weld soundness in vehicles, aircraft, ships, and rail stock to meet stringent industry regulations.
-
Quality Assurance & Certification
Supporting material testing laboratories and inspection bodies with a recognized method for weld qualification, audit, and certification processes.
Applying EN ISO 9017:2018 enables organizations to satisfy customer and regulatory demands for weld quality control, reduce the risk of weld-related failures, and enhance overall manufacturing reliability.
Related Standards
For comprehensive weld quality assessment, EN ISO 9017:2018 references and complements several other international standards:
- ISO 5817 - Welding - Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding excluded) - Quality levels for imperfections.
- ISO 10042 - Welding - Arc-welded joints in aluminium and its alloys - Quality levels for imperfections.
- ISO 17637 - Non-destructive testing of welds - Visual testing of fusion-welded joints.
Using these standards in conjunction ensures a robust framework for both destructive and non-destructive weld testing, supporting best practices in welding inspection and materials engineering.
Adopting EN ISO 9017:2018 helps organizations maintain high standards of weld quality, meet international compliance criteria, and foster trust with clients through reliable metal joining practices.
