ISO 17659:2002

Overview

ISO 17659:2002 - Welding - Multilingual terms for welded joints with illustrations provides clear pictorial representations and standardized terminology for common welded joints, joint preparations and weld types. The standard presents terms in English, French and German (German equivalents are published under DIN responsibility), and is intended to remove ambiguity when translating welding terminology across languages. Figures are sketch illustrations to show characteristic features and are not necessarily formatted as technical drawing symbols (see ISO 2553 for symbolic representation).

Key topics

• Terms and definitions for welding and welded joints (aligned with ISO principles and ISO/TC 44 work).
• Types of joint (butt, corner, lap, T, edge, etc.) illustrated for easy identification.
• Joint preparation and geometry - sketches showing common bevels, gaps and preparation styles.
• Fusion welds and welds made using pressure - visual examples and associated terminology.
• Throat thicknesses for fillet welds and other dimensional/terminology references (illustrative, not prescriptive).
• Use of equivalent terms across languages to reduce translation errors.
• Examples demonstrating fusion welds with different joint types and preparations.
• Informative Annex A comparing terms used in the USA.
• Normative references include ISO 857-1 (welding vocabulary) and ISO 2553 (symbolic representation on drawings).

Practical applications

ISO 17659 is useful wherever precise, multilingual welding terminology and illustrations are needed:

• Welding engineers and designers specifying joint types and preparation in international projects.
• Draughtsmen and CAD technicians coordinating with ISO 2553 weld symbols.
• Quality control, inspection and fabrication teams verifying welded joints and documentation.
• Technical translators, bilingual manuals and tender documentation to ensure unambiguous term translation.
• Standards committees and training providers teaching weld identification and joint preparation.

Who should use it

• Structural and mechanical engineers
• Welding coordinators and inspectors
• Fabrication shops and welding contractors
• Technical writers and translators
• Procurement and contract teams specifying weld requirements

Related standards

• ISO 2553 - Welded, brazed and soldered joints: symbolic representation on drawings (use for formal drawing symbols).
• ISO 857-1 - Welding vocabulary: metal welding processes.
• EN 12345 - European standard on which ISO 17659 is closely based (historical reference).

Keywords: ISO 17659, welding standard, welded joints, joint preparation, multilingual terms, weld illustrations, fusion welds, weld terminology.