scope:

This standard gives guidance on levels of imperfections in electron and laser beam welded joints in steel. Three levels are given in such a way as to permit application for a wide range of welded fabrications. The levels refer to production quality and not to the fitness-for-purpose of the product manufactured.

This standard applies to electron and laser beam welding of:

- unalloyed and alloyed steels;

- all types of welds welded with or without additional filler wire;

- materials equal to or above 0,5 mm thickness for electron and laser beam welding.

When significant deviations from the joint geometries and dimensions stated in this standard are present in the welded product, it is necessary to evaluate to what extent the provisions of this standard can apply.

Metallurgical aspects, e.g. grain size, hardness are not covered by this standard.