Welding Processes and Process Designations Covered (111, 135, 141, 311, etc.)
Why process designation matters
EN ISO 9606 uses ISO process numbers (the 3-digit codes from EN ISO 4063) because the qualification is process-specific. A welder qualified with one process is not automatically qualified with another. The process number is an essential variable and must appear on the certificate and QTR.
Core processes you must know
- 111 - manual metal arc (covered electrode, SMAW/stick).
- 135 - metal active gas welding (MAG), solid wire, active gas.
- 136 - metal active gas, flux-cored wire.
- 131 - MIG, solid wire, inert gas.
- 141 - tungsten inert gas (TIG), manual.
- 142 - TIG, mechanised/automatic.
- 311 - oxy-acetylene welding.
- 114 - self-shielded flux-cored (no gas).
- 121 / 122 - submerged arc (single wire / multi-wire).
Traps
- 135 vs 131: both are GMAW; the gas type distinguishes them. A question may describe "MAG with CO2" - that is 135, not 131.
- 141 vs 142: manual vs mechanised TIG. The qualification ranges differ; mechanised/automatic welders may require a different test regime.
- 311 is gas welding, not "gas-shielded" - a common misread.
- Some questions combine processes (e.g. 141 root + 111 fill). The certificate must list the combination; a welder qualified only for 141 root is not qualified for 111 fill unless tested.
Rule of thumb
If the question gives a gas and a wire type, decode the process: active gas + solid wire = 135; inert gas + solid wire = 131; inert gas + tungsten = 141; covered electrode = 111.
Worked example
"A welder uses a flux-cored wire with CO2 shielding." Active gas + flux-cored = 136, not 135. If the option list only offers 135 and 136, choose 136.