ISO 14918:2018

Overview - ISO 14918:2018 (Thermal spraying - Qualification testing of thermal sprayers)

ISO 14918:2018 specifies procedural instructions for qualification testing of thermal sprayers. The standard defines the requirements, ranges of qualification, test conditions, acceptance requirements and certification criteria used when a thermal sprayer’s competence must be demonstrated - whether required by the standard itself, a purchaser, inspection authorities or other organisations. It applies to both manual and mechanized thermal spraying processes (including automatically controlled systems such as robotics and scan units).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of qualification: Qualification is process‑ and method‑specific; a sprayer is qualified only for the coating process and application method tested.
• Processes covered: Groups include arc, plasma, HVOF/cold/detonation, powder/rod/cord flame spraying, laser and plasma transferred arc (PTA) processes (as defined in ISO 14917).
• Test structure: Combines a job knowledge test and a practical test performed on representative test pieces. Tests assess equipment operation, masking procedures, surface preparation, environmental acceptability (temperature, humidity, dew point) and correct use of application equipment.
• Test equipment and consumables: Tests must use production equipment or equivalent; spray consumables are organised by material groups for appropriate coverage.
• Acceptance criteria and test methods: Detailed acceptance requirements, nondestructive and destructive test procedures, and specimen preparation are specified. Annexes provide job knowledge items, specific acceptance criteria and minimum tensile/shear values.
• Certification lifecycle: Rules for re‑tests, period of validity, prolongation, interruption handling, record keeping and designation of qualification status are defined.
• Examining bodies: The standard supports mutual recognition by providing a consistent framework for investigating sprayer competence and issuing qualification certificates.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 14918

• Thermal sprayers / operators - to prepare for qualification and demonstrate competence for specific processes or mechanized systems.
• Quality assurance and inspection authorities - to define and verify acceptance criteria for personnel certification.
• Purchasers and contractors - to require qualified personnel for coating projects and ensure consistent workmanship.
• Certification and examining bodies - to implement standardised testing, record keeping and issuance of qualification certificates.
• Coating specifiers and engineering teams - to reference consistent personnel qualification requirements in procurement and project specifications.

Related standards

• ISO 14917 - Thermal spraying: terminology and classification
• ISO 14916 - Thermal spraying: determination of tensile adhesive strength
• ISO 2063-2 - Thermal spraying: zinc, aluminium and alloys - execution of corrosion protection systems
• EN 15340 - Determination of shear load resistance of thermally sprayed coatings

Using ISO 14918:2018 helps organizations ensure consistent competence assessment for thermal sprayers, supporting quality control and mutual recognition across projects and jurisdictions.