Overview
EN ISO 14344:2024 (ISO 14344:2024) - "Welding consumables - Procurement of filler materials and fluxes" - defines a standardized method for communicating procurement requirements between a purchaser and a supplier of welding consumables within quality systems (for example, ISO 9001). The document, adopted by CEN as EN ISO 14344:2024, provides a framework to specify the exact welding consumable classification, lot classification and testing schedule needed for purchase and traceability. It excludes non‑consumable electrodes and shielding gases.
Key topics and requirements
- Procurement communication tools: Forms and selections that ensure clear buyer–seller specification of welding consumables (filler materials and fluxes).
- Welding consumable classification: Selection of the applicable consumable classification from the relevant welding consumable standard (ISO or other national/EU standard).
- Lot classification (Clause 4): Defined lot classes for different product types (solid consumables S1–S5, tubular cored electrodes T1–T4, covered electrodes C1–C5, and fluxes F1–F2). Lot classification supports sampling, traceability and quality control.
- Testing schedule (Clause 5): Six testing schedules (Schedules 1–6) that prescribe the frequency and extent of testing required for given lot classes and applications - selection depends on intended application and risk. Clause 5 has been significantly revised in this edition.
- Certification and documentation (Clause 6): Guidance on certificates and inspection documents, including certificate of compliance, certificate of conformance and Certified Material Test Report (CMTR).
- Traceability and lot identification: Guidance on manufacturer lot/heat designations used to track raw materials, production shifts and processing records.
- Scope limitations: Not applicable to non‑consumable electrodes or shielding gases.
Practical applications
- Ensures consistent procurement specifications for welding consumables, reducing nonconformances and rework.
- Enables welding engineers, quality managers and procurement teams to select appropriate lot classes and testing regimes based on application criticality (pressure equipment, structural, shipbuilding, etc.).
- Supports conformity assessment within ISO 9001 quality systems and facilitates supplier audits and incoming inspection practices.
- Helps manufacturers and suppliers define production and sampling practices for traceability and customer documentation.
Who should use this standard
- Welding engineers and inspectors
- Procurement professionals specifying filler materials and fluxes
- Manufacturers of welding consumables
- Quality managers operating ISO 9001 systems
- Fabrication shops requiring documented procurement and traceability
Related standards
- Relevant welding consumable standards (specific ISO or EN standards for filler metals and fluxes) - used to select the consumable classification.
- Referenced documents in the standard: ISO 544, ISO 10474, and EN 10204 (see normative references and certification clauses).
This edition replaces ISO 14344:2010 and provides a harmonized, application‑driven approach for procurement, lot control and testing of welding consumables.
