ISO 2553-2019 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

Welding and allied processes — Symbolic representation on drawings — Welded joints (ISO 2553:2019, corrected version 2021). This International Standard specifies the rules for symbolic representation of welded, brazed and soldered joints on technical drawings, including information on geometry, manufacture, quality and testing where applicable.

Abstract

This document defines rules to be applied for the symbolic representation of welded joints on technical drawings. It covers the two globally used reference-line systems (dual reference line and single reference line), provides symbols for a wide range of weld types and combinations, and includes an alternative designation method for specifying essential design information (dimensions, quality level, etc.) while leaving joint preparation and welding process to the producer. Examples and informative annexes illustrate use and tolerances.

General information

• Status: Published / Active (ISO 2553:2019, under review for a future revision; committee draft ISO/CD 2553 in development).
• Publication date: Published 2019-03 (ISO edition 5); corrected version (English and French) issued September 2021.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO). National/adopted versions are also published by national bodies (examples: BSI, NSAI, AFNOR).
• ICS / categories: 01.100.20 (Mechanical engineering drawings); 25.160.40 (Welded joints and welds).
• Edition / version: Edition 5 (2019) — ISO 2553:2019; corrected version September 2021.
• Number of pages: ISO published version: 55 pages (ISO metadata). National/adopted publications and vendor reprints may list between ~62–72 pages depending on cover/frontmatter.

Scope

Defines the graphic symbols and rules for representing welded, brazed and soldered joints on technical drawings so that design intent, required weld dimensions, required quality level and any required testing can be clearly communicated. The standard addresses both the dual-reference-line and single-reference-line symbol systems (suffixes A and B in clauses and figures), and provides an alternative designation method for specifying essential design data while leaving manufacturing choices to the producer. Informative annexes give examples, tolerances and alternative methods for intermittent weld designation.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized weld symbols for fillet, butt, plug, slot, edge and surfacing welds, including dimensions and reference-line conventions.
• Two symbol systems covered: A (dual reference line) and B (single reference line); clause/figure suffixes indicate applicability.
• Rules for dimensioning welds and joint preparations on drawings (including throat, leg, length, pitch for intermittent welds).
• Optional alternative designation method to specify required weld quality and essential dimensions while leaving process/joint preparation to the manufacturer.
• Guidance and examples in informative annexes (use examples, tolerances, alternative intermittent-weld notation).
• Integration with related welding standards for process nomenclature, quality levels and non‑destructive testing (references and cross‑references included).

Typical use and users

Used by mechanical/design engineers and draughtspersons producing fabrication and assembly drawings, welding engineers and supervisors, fabricators and welders interpreting design requirements, quality-control and inspection personnel, procurement/specification authors, and standards committees drafting or adopting national versions. It is applied wherever clear, internationally consistent weld-symbol communication is required between design, manufacture and inspection.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards include ISO 4063 (nomenclature of welding and allied processes), ISO 13919‑1 (quality levels guidance for certain welded joints), ISO 5817 (quality levels for fusion-welded joints), ISO 6520‑1 (classification of geometric imperfections) and ISO 17635 (NDT of welds). These documents are typically cross-referenced for process identification, quality levels, imperfection limits and inspection requirements.

Keywords

weld symbols; welding symbols; welded joints; brazing; soldering; technical drawings; dimensioning of welds; weld quality; reference line A/B; welding standards; ISO 2553.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 2553:2019 is the International Standard that specifies symbols and rules for representing welded, brazed and soldered joints on technical drawings (Edition 5, published March 2019; corrected version September 2021).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers graphic symbols, dimensioning rules, two reference-line systems (A and B), an alternative designation method for essential weld information, and informative annexes with examples and tolerances. It is intended to ensure unambiguous communication of weld requirements on drawings.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers and draughtspersons, welding engineers, fabricators, welders, inspectors, procurement/specification authors and standards bodies—anyone who prepares, supplies or interprets fabrication drawings with weld requirements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 2553:2019 is the current published edition (2019) with a corrected version released in September 2021. The standard is listed for review and a committee draft for a future revision (ISO/CD 2553) is under development, so users should check the latest national/adopted versions and corrigenda before use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of the family of ISO welding and allied-process documents maintained by ISO/TC 44 (welding). It is commonly used together with standards that cover process nomenclature, quality levels and inspection (for example ISO 4063, ISO 13919‑1, ISO 5817, ISO 6520‑1 and ISO 17635).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: weld symbols, welding symbols, welded joints, brazing, soldering, technical drawing, weld dimensioning, weld quality, ISO 2553.