Welding & Materials

Welding as Part of the CE Marking Process

Requirements for welding procedure and welder or welding operator recognition, within the European Union, is strictly related to the European directive which applies to the equipment subject for certification. As a general rule, welding approvals according to European requirements are not required if the equipment is not subject to CE or Pi Marking (see CE Marking ).

Nevertheless, due to different engineering and process control philosophies between different countries and states, approvals of process procedures, such as welding, may support your business.

One significant difference between ASME and European Welding approvals is the grouping of materials, as well as the essential and non-essential welding requirements. Our goal is to optimize the utilization of welding approvals, while minimizing the efforts and associated cost.

Not all European Directives require the same level of approvals and certifications of welding procedures and welder (operator). For instance, as related to Pressure Equipment (e.g. Pressure Vessel, Heat Exchanger, Boiler, etc.) or Transportable Pressure Equipment (e.g. cylinders) welding approvals are required, as soon as the equipment must bear the CE Marking or the Pi Marking. Depending on the equipment classification (due to its hazard rating), the involvement of a Notified Body or accredited Recognized Body is required.

ECE provides the following for all equipment categories and processes, as well as for applications not requiring the CE Marking:

• Welding procedures, approvals and certifications
• Welder and welding operators approvals and certifications
• Weld consumable suitability checks
• Material classification and scope of approval
• Training
• Consultancy

Our staff includes certified European Welding Engineers, which support your needs for certification, approval, training, and general support.

Materials

Materials are a key factor in product compliance. All design codes have “approved” materials listed or referenced, including pressure equipment, machinery, medical equipment, etc. Thus the basis for design is always a system which includes design formulas, materials, as well as manufacturing and testing requirements.

As an example, if a pressure vessel is designed on the basis of the ASME Code of Construction, suitable and proven materials are listed in Section II. As long as the designer does not deviate from those Section II material grades, an individual material appraisal is not required.

It is not required, because all the material in ASME Section II are so called “proven materials”, which have been tested and approved for pressure vessel applications. This documented “experience” of the referenced material grades, with respect to manufacture, operation, and maintenance are pertinent for the recognition of such grades.

The same strategy for material acceptance exists within the CE Marking arena. Only materials, which are recognized within this specific CE Marking system, can be utilized. Deviating from the list of approved materials will result in additional testing, which is normally limited to lots or batches of the same heat and heat-treatment lot.

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CE Marking and Materials

ECE Services include:

• PED (97/23/EC) Material Testing and Approvals
• TPED (1999/36/EC) Material Testing and Approvals
• Simple Pressure Vessel Directive (87/404/EC)
• Check of Material Compliance with EU Requirements
• Review of Supplier, Material Testing Report Suitability
• Material Approvals for Grades not recognized within the CE Marking System
• Support with Material Test Program and Approvals by Notified Bodies
• Material review for manufacturing compliance as related to a EU Directive
• Independent Material Testing and Issuance of Testing Documents according to EN 10204
• Auditing of Material Testing Laboratories according to EN 17025
• Material Approvals in combination with Welding Approvals

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Clarifications Related to CE Marking and Materials

Within the New Approach System for CE Marking (see CE Marking or Details to CE Marking ), generic requirements for material suitability are outlined in the Annexes of the EU Directive. It must be considered that a European Directive is not a code of construction or design code. It is a legislative document, mandating the utilization of proven and sound engineering codes, standards, or practices, recognized within the European Union.

Within the European Product Safety System, which consequentially relates to the safety for work places and environment, Harmonized Standards provide sound engineering practices relating to a given European Directive. Hence, a European Directive, in combination with Harmonized Standards (they have been specifically designed for a Directive), form an inherent system for the design, construction, and testing of equipment.

Identifying applicable Harmonized Standard is the first step in identifying proven material grades within the CE Marking process. If the preferred material grade is not outlined in a Harmonized Standard, or such standard cannot be found, an individual or Particular Material Appraisal (PMA) is required. Depending on the European Directive and the product classification, involving a Recognized or Notified Body for the approval of the selected material might be required. Strict compliance with the design requirements and validation is always required, including mechanical and technological material properties.

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Industry Experience & Clientele

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Products/Projects & Codes/Standards

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