Overview
EN ISO 9692-4:2003 - "Welding and allied processes - Recommendations for joint preparation - Part 4: Clad steels" is a CEN-adopted ISO standard that gives guidance on types of joint preparation for clad steels. The document provides recommended joint forms and dimensional guidance to support reliable welding of steel components that have a cladding layer. It is intended to be used alongside welding procedure guidance for clad materials.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Recommendations apply to all types of weldable clad steels and cover common fabrication scenarios where base metal is covered by a cladding layer.
- Types of joint preparation: The standard defines recommended joint forms for:
- Welding from both sides (V, U and double-V butt joints)
- Welding from both sides after cladding removal
- Welding from one side
- Joints incorporating a backing, insert or cover strip
- Dimensional guidance: Detailed tables (Tables 1–4) present recommended dimensions and cross-sections in millimetres for root faces, gaps, bevel angles and cladding removal widths to aid drawing and WPS development.
- Material considerations: Joint preparations are suitable for weldable clad steels generally, but the standard notes that for claddings that may form brittle phases (e.g., titanium or zirconium claddings) deviations from typical preparations may be necessary.
- Welding interface: The standard points users to EN 1011-5 for more detailed welding recommendations for clad steels and integration with welding procedure specification (WPS) development.
Applications and who should use it
EN ISO 9692-4:2003 is practical for:
- Welding engineers and fabricators preparing WPS and fabrication drawings for clad-steel assemblies
- Structural designers and detailers specifying joint forms where cladding must be preserved or partly removed
- Quality and welding inspectors assessing joint geometry, cladding removal, backing/inserts and weld acceptance
- Procurement and standards teams ensuring compliance with European joint-preparation practice for clad materials
Practical benefits include improved weld integrity, reduced risk of cladding damage, clearer fabrication instructions, and consistent joint geometry across projects.
Related standards
- EN ISO 9692 series (other parts cover different materials and processes)
- EN 1011-5 - Welding - Recommendations for welding of metallic materials - Part 5: Welding of clad steels (detailed welding guidance referenced by this part)
Keywords: EN ISO 9692-4:2003, clad steels, joint preparation, welding, cladding removal, backing insert cover strip, welding recommendations.
