Overview
EN ISO 17683:2015 (ISO 17683:2014) - "Ships and marine technology - Ceramic weld backing for marine use" specifies requirements for the design, manufacture, testing and acceptance of ceramic weld backing used in marine welding. It covers classification, dimensions and appearance, performance and test methods, plus marking, packaging and storage. The standard is intended for ceramic backing used in double-side form with single-side welds (e.g., arc, gas, vertical gas and submerged arc welding) on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium and copper alloys.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Classification
- Type I: ceramic weld backing with adhesive aluminium foil tape
- Type II: ceramic weld backing with metal cases
- Dimensions & appearance
- Thickness tolerance: ±0.5 mm
- Strip length tolerance: −10 mm to +20 mm
- Centreline tolerance for moulded grooves: ±1.0 mm
- Angle tolerance (triangular/trapezoidal blocks): ±2°
- Surface defects restrictions around grooves and joints
- Performance tests
- Moisture absorption rate: measured by oven/humidity procedure; average must be < 0.35%
- Refractoriness: determined per ISO 528 and matched to welding method/melting point of metal
- Chemical composition limits: sulfur and phosphorus < 0.1%, boron < 0.01%
- Adhesive tape peel strength (Type I): per ISO 29862, > 12 N/25 mm
- Metal case integrity (Type II): backing must be held firmly with no looseness
- Acceptance & type approval
- Procedures for initial production and repeat production testing and acceptance criteria are specified
- Marking, packaging, storage
- Requirements for traceability, protective packaging and recommended storage practices to preserve performance
Applications
- Used as backing for welds where access is available from one side but a welded root shape or support on the opposite side is required.
- Typical usages: ship hulls, structural marine components, pipe and plate welding in shipyards and offshore fabrication.
- Suitable for welding processes including arc welding, gas welding, vertical gas welding and submerged arc welding across common marine alloys.
Who uses this standard
- Ship designers and naval architects specifying welding details
- Welding engineers and supervisors in shipyards and offshore fabrication
- Manufacturers of ceramic weld backing blocks and assemblies
- Quality control/inspection teams and classification societies
- Procurement specialists sourcing compliant weld backing products
Related standards
- ISO 528 - Refractory products: determination of pyrometric cone equivalent (refractoriness)
- ISO 29862 - Self-adhesive tapes: determination of peel adhesion properties
EN ISO 17683:2015 provides practical, testable criteria to ensure reliable ceramic weld backing performance in marine welding applications, improving weld quality, root protection and repeatable acceptance for shipbuilding and repair.
