Heavy fabrication workshop
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Standards Reference

A clear reference page for buyers who need to connect standards, inspection expectations, and manufacturing scope before placing an order.

Important note on standards

Standards are not just names to place on a web page. They define responsibilities, inspection points, acceptance criteria and documentation. For each project, the applicable standard should be confirmed in the drawing, purchase order, inspection plan or technical specification. We avoid vague promises and prefer to confirm the exact scope before production.

Understanding Manufacturing Standards for Steel Fabrication

Manufacturing standards define the minimum requirements for quality, safety, and traceability in steel fabrication. For international buyers sourcing structural components, understanding which standards apply — and what they actually require — is essential for avoiding costly misunderstandings between design intent and factory execution.

EN 1090: Structural Steel Execution Classes

EN 1090 (Execution of Steel Structures) classifies fabrication into four execution classes (EXC1 through EXC4) based on consequence class, service category, and production category. EXC2 covers most commercial and industrial structures. EXC3 applies to bridges, crane runways, and fatigue-loaded structures. Each class defines specific requirements for welding qualification, NDT extent, dimensional tolerances, and documentation. Our factory holds EN 1090-2 certification with capability up to EXC3, verified through annual audits by notified bodies.

ISO 3834: Welding Quality Requirements

ISO 3834 establishes quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. Part 2 (Comprehensive Quality Requirements) is the most commonly specified level for structural fabrication. It mandates documented welding procedures (WPS per ISO 15614), qualified welders (ISO 9606), welding coordination personnel (IWE/IWT per ISO 14731), and systematic inspection planning. Our welding quality management system operates under ISO 3834-2, with qualified welding coordinators overseeing procedure development, welder qualification, and in-process inspection.

MTC 3.1: Material Test Certificates

EN 10204 Type 3.1 certificates (commonly called MTC 3.1) provide material traceability from the steel mill to the finished product. Each certificate documents the heat number, chemical composition (ladle analysis), mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, elongation), and impact test results at specified temperatures. For structural applications, MTC 3.1 certificates are mandatory to verify that incoming material meets the specified grade (S235, S355, S460, etc.) and delivery condition (N, M, Q, QL, QL1).

NDT Standards and Acceptance Criteria

Non-destructive testing for welded structures follows ISO 17635 for method selection, with specific technique standards including ISO 17640 (UT), ISO 17638 (MT), ISO 17637 (VT), and ISO 17636 (RT). Acceptance criteria are defined by ISO 5817 weld quality levels (B, C, or D) as specified in the design documentation. The NDT extent — percentage of welds inspected and which methods apply — depends on the execution class, joint type, and material thickness. We maintain qualified NDT Level II operators for UT, MT, and VT, with third-party RT and PAUT available through accredited laboratories.

Reviewed by

Zhang Wei

Chief Quality Architect — ASNT / ISO 9712 Level III NDT

Leads multinational FAT validation and material traceability for EPC and OEM export projects.

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