Overview
ISO 15614-14:2013 - Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Part 14: Laser-arc hybrid welding of steels, nickel and nickel alloys - specifies how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding procedure tests. The standard defines conditions for executing welding procedure tests, required examinations and tests, test-piece geometries, and the range of qualification for practical welding operations using laser-arc hybrid welding within the variables listed in Clause 8.
Key points:
- Applies to laser-arc hybrid welding of steels, nickel and nickel alloys.
- Establishes how a pWPS is validated through welding procedure tests.
- Includes test-piece shapes, testing methods, and documentation requirements (WPQR).
Key technical topics and requirements
- Preliminary Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS): pWPS shall be prepared in accordance with ISO 15609-6 and used to guide test-piece production and welding.
- Welding Procedure Test: Execution and witnessing of welding tests per Clauses 5–7; successful welding operator performance can qualify personnel under ISO 14732.
- Test pieces and geometries: Standardized configurations (butt joints in plate and pipe, T‑joints, corner joints, branch connections) to represent production joints; minimum dimensions are specified in figures (e.g., minimum width 150 mm, minimum length 350 mm).
- Examination and testing: Both non‑destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing (macroscopic/microscopic, bend, tensile, impact) are covered; specimen location and testing extent defined in Clause 7.
- Range of qualification: Clause 8 outlines variables related to manufacturer, parent material, welding process and position, joint type, filler material, heat input, preheat/interpass and PWHT, number of layers, and nominal heat input.
- Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR): Requirements for WPQR and an informative template are given (Clause 9 and Annex A).
- Quality levels and re‑testing: Criteria for acceptable imperfections (see ISO 12932 as normative reference) and rules for re‑testing.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 15614-14:2013 is used by:
- Welding engineers and procedure writers preparing and qualifying pWPS for laser-arc hybrid processes
- Fabricators and manufacturers working with steels, nickel and nickel alloys seeking procedure qualification
- Quality and inspection personnel conducting NDT and destructive examination of weld test pieces
- Certification bodies and examiners witnessing welding procedure tests
- R&D teams developing automated or mechanized hybrid welding processes
Typical applications include high‑productivity fusion welding where laser and arc are combined for deeper penetration, higher speed, or improved weld quality in structural, pressure‑containing and specialist alloy fabrications.
Related standards
Important normative and related references include:
Using ISO 15614-14:2013 ensures consistent, auditable qualification of laser-arc hybrid welding procedures and helps demonstrate compliance with industry and application-specific requirements.
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