Brazing
The brazer must undergo a brazing qualification test under supervision
Brazing
The brazer must undergo a brazing qualification test under supervision
SS-EN ISO 13585:2012 – Brazing
- Qualification of brazers and brazing operators
About the standard
SS-EN ISO 13585:2012 is an international standard that defines requirements and methods for qualifying brazers and brazing operators. The standard ensures that those performing brazing have documented competence.
This standard is designed to harmonize qualification requirements for brazers across Europe. It applies to manual, mechanized, and automated brazing of metallic materials.
Certification process
Initial certification
To become certified under SS-EN ISO 13585, the brazer must undergo a brazing qualification test under the supervision of an examiner from DEKRA Industrial AB. The certificate is personal and valid for three years, provided that the brazer continuously works within the certified area, with employer confirmation through a signature every six months.
Steps in the certification process:
1. Brazing qualification test – the brazer follows a brazing procedure specification (BPS or pBPS).*
2. Supervision – an examiner from DEKRA ensures that all requirements are met.
3. Cleaning – after brazing, the joints must be cleaned of oxides and flux residues using appropriate equipment.
4. Testing and evaluation – all brazed joints are examined according to specified testing methods.
5. Review and certification – a DEKRA Industrial AB examiner reviews the documentation and issues the certificate.
2. Supervision – an examiner from DEKRA ensures that all requirements are met.
3. Cleaning – after brazing, the joints must be cleaned of oxides and flux residues using appropriate equipment.
4. Testing and evaluation – all brazed joints are examined according to specified testing methods.
5. Review and certification – a DEKRA Industrial AB examiner reviews the documentation and issues the certificate.
Testing methods
After the brazing qualification test, each test piece must be evaluated using one of the following methods:
Non-destructive testing (NDT) according to SS-EN 12799
- Radiographic testing
- Ultrasonic testing
- If these methods are not feasible due to joint geometry, alternative methods such as penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, or leak testing may be used.
Destructive testing according to SS-EN 12797
If non-destructive testing is not applicable, mechanical tests may be used, including:
- Peel test
- Macroscopic examination
- Bend test
- Shear test
- Tensile test
- Metallographic analysis
- Hardness testing.
Additional testing may be required according to product standards or contractual agreements.
Essential parameters in brazing qualification
The brazing qualification test is based on several essential parameters that determine the validity range of the certificate. If brazing is performed outside these parameters, a new qualification test is required.
The essential parameters include:
- Brazing method (e.g., flame brazing, induction brazing)
- Form of material (tube or plate)
- Joint type (butt joint, lap joint)
- Base material group(s) (according to ISO/TR 15608)
- Overlap length
- Brazing filler metal type
- Filler metal application method
- Dimensions (material thickness, tube outer diameter)
- Filler metal flow direction
- Degree of mechanization.
These parameters specifically apply to methods 912 (flame brazing) and 916 (induction brazing). For other brazing methods listed in section 5.2, the validity range is unrestricted for the specified parameters (except for brazing method).
Certificate renewal
The certificate can be extended for an additional three years if the following conditions are met:
1. All six-month employer signatures are present, confirming that the brazer has continuously performed brazed joints according to production requirements.
2. A valid test report (radiographic, ultrasonic, or peel testing) is available and no older than six months.
2. A valid test report (radiographic, ultrasonic, or peel testing) is available and no older than six months.
Certification renewal can be conducted by DEKRA Industrial AB in accordance with the standard’s requirements.
Costs and quotations
Certification and testing fees are based on DEKRA’s price list, but customized quotations or agreements are available for companies with larger certification needs.
For more information on pricing and quotation requests, contact DEKRA Industrial AB.
Appeals and certification Review
DEKRA Industrial AB is a Notified Body (No. 0640) and can assess certification according to AFS 2023:5 (PED/2014/68/EU), Annex 1, Section 3.1.2.
If a brazer or brazing operator believes an assessment is incorrect, the decision can be appealed. Complaints may also be directed to the certification body’s management. Appeals must be submitted in writing.