ISO 17662:2016

Overview

ISO 17662:2016 - "Welding - Calibration, verification and validation of equipment used for welding, including ancillary activities" specifies requirements for the calibration, verification and validation of equipment used to control process variables and equipment properties during welding and allied processes. It focuses on equipment after installation - as part of workshop and site maintenance/operation - where process variables affect the fitness-for-purpose and safety of the fabricated product. The standard does not cover calibration linked to final-product inspection/testing or the manufacture/installation of new equipment.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Calibration, verification and validation of equipment whose output cannot be readily verified later by inspection or testing (process control and safety-critical variables).
• Definitions and metrology concepts: Traceability, calibration, verification, validation, accuracy class, repeatability and measurement uncertainty (aligned with ISO/IEC Guide 99).
• General requirements: Frequency, documentation, and maintenance of calibrated status for measuring and control equipment used during fabrication.
• Process-variable lists: Addresses variables common to multiple welding/brazing processes and specific requirements for process groups such as arc welding, resistance welding, plasma, laser, electron beam, friction, stud welding, and various brazing methods.
• Ancillary operations: Preheat/post-weld heat treatment, post-weld cleaning, flame cutting and related processes are included.
• Annexes:
  • Annex B: Guidance on acceptance testing and calibration/verification/validation as part of equipment acceptance.
  • Annex C: Roles and responsibilities when other parties (e.g., external calibration labs or suppliers) are involved.

Practical applications

ISO 17662 is used to ensure consistent, traceable control of welding process variables that directly influence product quality and safety. Typical applications:

• Establishing calibration/verification routines for welding power sources, gas flow meters, temperature controllers, and other process-control instruments.
• Defining validation activities after equipment installation, repairs or process changes.
• Documenting metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty for critical welding parameters.
• Supporting welding quality management, risk reduction and regulatory compliance where process control cannot be fully proven by later inspection.

Who should use this standard

• Welding engineers and supervisors
• Quality managers and auditors in fabrication shops and construction sites
• Maintenance teams and calibration technicians
• Third‑party calibration laboratories and service providers
• Organizations implementing welding quality systems (e.g., ISO-compliant systems)

Related standards

• ISO 15609 series (welding procedure specifications) - process variable lists referenced
• ISO/IEC Guide 99 (VIM) - metrology vocabulary
• ISO 669, ISO 5171, ISO 5172, ISO 5826 - referenced equipment and test standards

Using ISO 17662:2016 helps organizations maintain reliable welding process control, improve safety, and provide documented traceability for calibration and validation activities.