BS en Iso 2553-2019

BS
EN ISO 2553:2019
BSI Standards Publication
Welding and allied processes - Symbolic

representation on drawings - Welded joints
BS EN ISO 2553:2019 BRITISH STANDARD
National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN ISO 2553:2019. It
supersedes BS EN ISO 2553:2013, which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee WEE/1, Definitions and symbols for welding.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2019
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2019
ISBN 978 0 580 96752 8
ICS 25.160.40; 01.100.20
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 April 2019.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN ISO 2553
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2019
ICS 01.100.20; 25.160.40 Supersedes EN ISO 2553:2013
English Version
Welding and allied processes - Symbolic representation

on drawings - Welded joints (ISO 2553:2019)
Soudage et techniques connexes - Schweißen und verwandte Prozesse -
Représentations symboliques sur les dessins Symbolische Darstellung in Zeichnungen
- Assemblages soudés (ISO 2553:2019) - Schweißverbindungen (ISO 2553:2019)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 22 March 2019.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving
this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical
references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre
or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 2553:2019: E
worldwide for CEN national Members
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
EN ISO 2553:2019 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 2553:2019) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 44 "Welding
and allied processes" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 121 “Welding and allied
processes” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2019, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by October 2019.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 2553:2013.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 2553:2019 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 2553:2019 without any modification.
2
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

Contents Page
Foreword...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. vi
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Welding symbol...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 General............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.2 Basic welding symbol......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Welding symbol systems................................................................................................................................................................. 6
4.4 Elementary symbols............................................................................................................................................................................ 6
4.4.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.4.2 Combinations of elementary symbols............................................................................................................ 9
4.4.3 Double-sided butt welds............................................................................................................................................ 9
4.5 Supplementary symbols............................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.5.1 General................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.5.2 Weld-all-around symbol.......................................................................................................................................... 13
4.5.3 Welds of the same type made from point to point............................................................................ 14
4.5.4 Field welds.......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.5.5 Root reinforcement — Butt welds made from one side.............................................................. 15
4.5.6 Welds on flanged butt and flanged corner joints............................................................................... 15
4.6 Arrow line.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.6.1 General................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.6.2 Multiple arrow lines.................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.6.3 Broken arrow line......................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.7 Reference line and weld location.......................................................................................................................................... 18
4.7.1 Reference line................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.7.2 Weld location.................................................................................................................................................................... 18
4.7.3 Multiple reference lines........................................................................................................................................... 19
4.8 Tail 20
5 Dimensioning of welds.................................................................................................................................................................................21
5.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.2 Cross-sectional dimensions....................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Length dimensions............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
5.3.1 General................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.3.2 Intermittent welds....................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.4 Butt welds................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
5.4.1 Penetration depth......................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.2 Double-sided welds..................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.3 Flanged butt welds....................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.4 Flare bevel and flare-V butt welds.................................................................................................................. 22
5.5 Fillet welds............................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.5.1 Weld size............................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.5.2 Deep penetration fillet welds.............................................................................................................................. 22
5.6 Plug welds in circular holes....................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.7 Plug welds in elongated holes (slots)................................................................................................................................ 23
5.8 Spot welds................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.9 Seam welds............................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.10 Edge welds................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
5.11 Stud welds................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.12 Overlay welds......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.13 Stake welds............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
6 Dimensioning of joint preparations...............................................................................................................................................37
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO 2553:2019

6.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
6.2 Root gap...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
6.3 Included angle....................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
6.4 Root radius and depth of root faces — U and J butt joints.............................................................................. 38
6.5 Depth of joint preparation.......................................................................................................................................................... 38
6.6 Countersink angle for plug welds......................................................................................................................................... 39
7 Alternative butt weld symbol with required weld quality......................................................................................39
7.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
7.2 Example....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Annex A (informative) Examples of the use of welding symbols...........................................................................................41
Annex B (informative) Tolerances and transition points for weld types......................................................................51
Annex C (informative) Alternative methods for designating intermittent butt and fillet welds.........52
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 55
iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso.
org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 44, Welding and allied processes,
Subcommittee SC 7, Representation and terms.
Any feedback, question or request for official interpretation related to any aspect of this document
should be directed to the Secretariat of ISO/TC 44/SC 7 via your national standards body. A complete
listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html. Official interpretations, where they
exist, are available from this page: https://committee.iso.org/sites/tc44/home/interpretation.html.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition (ISO 2553:2013), which has been technically
revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— editorial corrections especially to align with other ISO/TC 44 standards and terminology;
— figures updated to more accurately reflect welds illustrated;
— plug welds in circular and elongated holes (slots) — clarification especially as it relates to slot welds;
— old Figure 5 is now shown as Table 5 for clarity;
— Clause 6 has been revised to reflect Pacific Rim practices.
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved v

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

Introduction
The symbols given in this document can be used on technical drawings for welded components. Design-
related specifications, such as type, thickness, and length of weld, weld quality, surface treatment, filler
material and testing specifications, can be indicated directly at the weld by means of the symbols. The
principals of this document can be applied to brazed and soldered joints.
Clarity can be improved by references to collective information in the drawings or references to
additional design-related documents.
Preparation for production can require detailed welding-related planning. The type of representation
described in this document can be used for this purpose and complemented by additional production-
related information (e.g. welding position, welding process, WPS, joint preparation, preheating).
This information is often given in production-related documents, such as work schedules or welding
procedure specifications (WPS).
Technical drawings are intended to clearly and understandably illustrate design-related specifications.
Welding-related drawings are prepared and checked by specially trained personnel (see ISO 14731).
This document recognizes that there are two different approaches in the global market to designate the
arrow side and other side on drawings, and allows for either to be used in isolation, to suit a particular
market need. Application of either approach identifies a welding symbol in accordance with this
document. The approach in accordance with system A is based on ISO 2553:19921). The approach in
accordance with system B is based upon standards used by Pacific Rim countries.
1) Withdrawn.
vi © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 2553:2019
Welding and allied processes - Symbolic representation on

drawings - Welded joints
1 Scope
This document defines the rules to be applied for symbolic representation of welded joints on technical
drawings. This can include information about the geometry, manufacture, quality and testing of the
welds. The principles of this document can also be applied to soldered and brazed joints.
It is recognized that there are two different approaches in the global market to designate the arrow side
and other side on drawings. In this document:
— clauses, tables and figures which carry the suffix letter "A" are applicable only to the symbolic
representation system based on a dual reference line;
— clauses, tables and figures which carry the suffix letter "B" are applicable only to the symbolic
representation system based on a single reference line;
— clauses, tables and figures which do not have the suffix letter "A" or "B" are applicable to both systems.
The symbols shown in this document can be combined with other symbols used on technical drawings,
for example to show surface finish requirements.
An alternative designation method is presented which can be used to represent welded joints on
drawings by specifying essential design information such as weld dimensions, quality level, etc. The
joint preparation and welding process(es) are then determined by the production unit in order to meet
the specified requirements.
NOTE Examples given in this document, including dimensions, are illustrative only and are intended to
demonstrate the proper application of principles.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 128 (all parts), Technical drawings — General principles of presentation
ISO 129‑1, Technical product documentation (TPD) — Presentation of dimensions and tolerances — Part 1:
General principles
ISO 3098‑2, Technical product documentation — Lettering — Part 2: Latin alphabet, numerals and marks
ISO 4063, Welding and allied processes — Nomenclature of processes and reference numbers
ISO/TR 25901 (all parts), Welding and related processes — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 25901 (all parts) and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 1

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/

3.1
welding symbol
symbol consisting of an arrow line (3.3)and a reference line (3.4) and which can also include elementary
symbols (3.8) and supplementary symbols (3.9), dimensions and/or tail, used on technical drawings
Note 1 to entry: See Clause 4.
3.2
basic welding symbol
symbol consisting of an arrow line (3.3), reference line (3.4) and tail used when the joint is not specified
and only to indicate that a welded joint is to be made
Note 1 to entry: See 4.2.
3.3
arrow line
leader line used to indicate that the joint is to be welded generally drawn at 135° to the reference line (3.4)
3.4
reference line
part of the welding symbol (3.1) on which the elementary symbol (3.8) is located, generally drawn
parallel to the bottom edge of the drawing
3.5
tail
V-shaped element added to the end of the continuous reference line (3.4) away from the arrow line (3.3)
3.6
arrow side
side of the joint to which the arrow line (3.3) is pointing
Note 1 to entry: See 4.7.2.1.
3.7
other side
opposite side of the joint to the arrow side (3.6)
3.8
elementary symbol
symbol forming part of the welding symbol (3.1) and drawn on the reference line (3.4) to indicate the
type of weld and joint preparation
3.9
supplementary symbol
symbol used in conjunction with elementary symbols (3.8) to convey additional information
about the joint
2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

3.10
complementary information
non-symbolic information, relevant to the welds being made, which may be included in the tail (3.5) of
the welding symbol (3.1)
3.11
intermittent weld
series of weld elements made at intervals along a joint
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.15]
Note 1 to entry: See 5.3.2.
3.11.1
chain intermittent weld
intermittent weld (3.11) on each side of a joint arranged so that the weld elements lie opposite one
another along the joint
Note 1 to entry: These are usually fillet welds in T-joints and lap joints.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.17, modified — Note 2 to entry has been adapted.]

3.11.2
staggered intermittent weld
intermittent weld (3.11) on each side of a joint arranged so that the weld elements on one side lie opposite
the spaces on the other side (3.7) along the joint
Note 1 to entry: These are usually fillet welds in T-joints and lap joints.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.16, modified — Note 2 to entry has been adapted.]

3.12
offset
distance between the start of welding on one side of a staggered intermittent weld (3.11.2) and the start
of welding on the other side (3.7)
Note 1 to entry: See 5.3.2.3, C.2.3, Table C.1, No. 3, C.3.3 and Table C.2, No. 3.
3.13
back run
DEPRECATED: sealing run
final run deposited on the root side of a fusion weld
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.8.21]
3.14
backing weld
backing in the form of a weld
3.15
nominal weld length
design length of a weld
Note 1 to entry: Nominal weld length is the length where the weld has its full size.

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ISO 2553:2019

3.15.1
nominal length of weld element
<intermittent welds> nominal length of each element of the weld
Note 1 to entry: Nominal weld length is the length where the weld has its full size.
3.16
nominal throat thickness
a
design value of the height of the largest isosceles triangle that can be inscribed in the section of
a fillet weld
Note 1 to entry: If other nominal throat thicknesses are specified, e.g. fillet welds with unequal leg lengths (see
Table 6, No. 2.3), they need to be clearly specified. In these cases, the symbol a shall not be used.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.7.8, modified — The symbol a has been added. Note 1 to entry has
been changed.]
3.17
leg length
z
distance from the actual or projected intersection of the fusion faces and the toe of a fillet weld,
measured across the fusion face
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.7.5, modified — The symbol z has been added.]
3.18
penetration depth
deposit thickness
DEPRECATED: weld metal thickness
thickness of the weld metal, excluding any reinforcement
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.7.4]
3.19
deep penetration throat thickness
s
nominal throat thickness (3.16) or effective throat thickness to which a certain amount of fusion
penetration is added
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.7.9, modified — The symbol s has been added. Note 1 to entry has
been deleted.]
3.20
flare-bevel weld
butt weld between a joint member with a curved surface and another with a planar surface
Note 1 to entry: See Table 6, No. 1.7.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.18]

3.21
flare-V weld
butt weld between two members with curved surfaces
Note 1 to entry: See Table 6, No. 1.6.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.19]

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

3.22
field weld
weld made outside workshops usually at the place of final installation
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.8.40]
3.23
stake weld
weld in a T-joint where a laser beam or electron beam is irradiated from a horizontal plate/flange to
vertical plate/web
Note 1 to entry: Vertical plates can be of different forms, such as corrugated panels and folded plates
4 Welding symbol
4.1 General
A reference line and arrow line are required elements. Additional elements may be included to convey
specific information.
It is preferable to show the welding symbol on the same side of the joint that the weld is to be made, i.e.
the arrow side (see 4.7).
The thickness of the arrow lines, reference line, elementary symbols and lettering shall be in accordance
with ISO 128 (all parts) and ISO 3098‑2.
In order not to overburden drawings, reference should be made to notes in the drawing or other design-
related documents.
4.2 Basic welding symbol

If joint details are not specified and the only requirement is to indicate that a joint is to be welded,
the basic symbol shown in Figure 1 may be used. In this case, a dual reference line is not required for
system A (see 4.7.1 A) as no details concerning the weld are being conveyed.
The basic welding symbol shall comprise an arrow line, reference line and a tail.
Key
1 arrow line
2 reference line
3 tail
NOTE This symbol is often used to indicate the location of tack welds.
Figure 1 — Basic welding symbol (joint details and type not specified)

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

4.3 Welding symbol systems

This document recognizes two different systems, A and B, to designate the arrow side and other side
on drawings.
The symbolic representation in system A is based on a dual reference line consisting of a continuous
line and a dashed line (see 4.7).
The symbolic representation in system B is based on a single reference line (see 4.7).
Clauses, Tables and Figures which carry the suffix "A" or "B" are applicable only to system A or system
B respectively.
Clauses, tables and figures which do not have a suffix are applicable to both systems.
System A and B shall not be mixed and drawings shall clearly indicate which system is used including
units of measurement in accordance with ISO 129‑1.
Examples of comprehensive welding symbols showing the location of elements are given in Figure A.1.
4.4 Elementary symbols
4.4.1 General
Elementary symbols, in accordance with Table 1, may be added to the reference line in both systems A
and B to indicate the type of weld to be made.
Elementary symbols form part of the welding symbol and shall be drawn attached to the reference line
generally at the mid-point.
Elementary symbols may be complemented by:
— supplementary symbols (see 4.5 and Table 3);
— dimensions (see Clause 5);
— complementary information.
The orientation of the elementary symbols shall not be changed to that shown in Tables 1 to 3.
Annex B gives guidance on tolerances and transition points for butt welds, edge welds and fillet welds.
If clear illustration by means of symbols is not possible, cross-sections of the welds may be drawn and
dimensioned.
Table 1 — Elementary symbols

Illustration of weld type
Designation
No. (dashed lines show joint preparation Symbola
(weld type)
prior to welding)
1 Square buttb
2 Single-V buttb
a The grey line is not part of the symbol. It indicates the position of the reference line.
b Butt welds are full penetration unless otherwise indicated by dimensions on the welding symbol or by reference to
other information, for example the WPS.
c Symbol can also be used for joints with more than 2 members.

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ISO 2553:2019


Designation
(weld type)
prior to welding)
Single-V butt with

3
broad root faceb
4 Single-bevel buttb
Single-bevel butt
5
with broad root faceb
6 Single-U buttb
7 Single-J buttb
8 Flare V
9 Flare bevel
10 Fillet
11 Plug
12.1 Resistance spotc

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019


Designation
(weld type)
prior to welding)
System A
12.2 Projection
System B
13 Fusion spot
14 Resistance seamc
15 Fusion seam
16 Stud
Steep-flanked
17
single-V buttb
Steep-flanked
18
single-bevel buttb
19 Edgec
Flanged butt
20.1
(see also Table 4)

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019


Designation
(weld type)
prior to welding)
20.2 Flanged corner
21 Overlay
22 Stakec
4.4.2 Combinations of elementary symbols
Elementary symbols may be combined as required to represent particular weld configurations.
4.4.3 Double-sided butt welds
The elementary symbols shall be arranged opposite each other on the reference line, including all
required information, when used to represent double-sided butt welds.
In the case of symmetrical double-sided welds with identical symbols and dimensions, the dashed
reference line should be deleted for system A (see Table 2).
An example of an asymmetrical double-sided weld is shown in Table A.3.
Table 2 — Combined elementary symbols to represent symmetrical double-sided welds

No. Weld type Illustration of welda Symbolb
1 Double-V butt
2 Double bevel butt
a Welds may be partial or full penetration which is to be indicated by dimensions on the welding symbol (see Table 6,
No. 1.1 and No. 1.2) or by reference to other information, for example the WPS.
b The grey line is not part of the symbol. It indicates the position of the reference line.

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ISO 2553:2019

No. Weld type Illustration of welda Symbolb
3 Double-U butt
Double bevel butt

4 (with broad root or
face) and fillet welds
a Welds may be partial or full penetration which is to be indicated by dimensions on the welding symbol (see Table 6,
No. 1.1 and No. 1.2) or by reference to other information, for example the WPS.
b The grey line is not part of the symbol. It indicates the position of the reference line.
4.5 Supplementary symbols
4.5.1 General
Additional information concerning the required joint may be provided by the use of supplementary
symbols in accordance with Table 3. Supplementary symbols can, for example, provide information
about the shape of the weld or how the welded joint shall be made.

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ISO 2553:2019

Table 3 — Supplementary symbols

No. Designation Symbola Application examplea Illustration of weld
Flushb
1
(flat-finished)
2 Convexb
3 Concaveb
Toes blended
4 No example
smoothlyc
a) Back rund
(made after the sin-
gle-V butt weld)
5
b) Backing weldd
(made before the
single-V butt weld)
Specified root re-

6 inforcement (butt
welds)e
Backing (unspeci-
7a
fied)
7b Permanent backing f
Removable/
7c
temporary backing f
8 Spacerg
a The grey line is not part of the symbol and is included to show the position of symbol on reference line and/or the
arrow line only.
b Welds that require approximately flush, convex or concave faces without post-weld finishing are specified by use of the
flush, convex or concave contour symbol.
Welds to be finished flush, convex or concave by post-weld finishing or that require a flat but not flush surface require
additional information, e.g. addition of a note in the tail of the welding symbol.
Other symbols in accordance with ISO 1302 may be used to specify surface finish.
c The toes shall be blended smoothly by welding or finishing. Processing details may be specified in the work instructions
or WPS.
d The weld run sequence may be indicated on the drawing e.g. by use of multiple reference lines, a note in the tail or by
reference to a weld procedure specification.
e In system B, also used to designate flanged butt/corner welds (see 4.5.6).
f M, material to be part of the final welded joint, MR, material to be removed after welding. Further information on the
material can be included in the tail or elsewhere.
g The material and the dimensions of the consumable insert or spacer can be specified in the tail of the welding symbol
or on the drawing.
h Explanations of a, z, n, l and (e) are given in Clause 5.

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

a) Joint showing insert in

place
9 Consumable insert g
b) Welded joint showing

root bead (insert incorpo-
rated into root). Single V
butt weld not shown
Example A
10 Weld-all-around
Example B
Example C
arrow line only.
or WPS.
or on the drawing.

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ISO 2553:2019

or
Weld between two

11
points (see 4.5.3)
or
12 Field weld No example
Staggered intermit-
13 or
tent weldsh
arrow line only.
or WPS.
or on the drawing.
4.5.2 Weld-all-around symbol
The weld-all-around symbol, added at the junction of the arrow and reference lines, may be used to
designate a continuous weld, single or double-sided, extending around a series of connected joints
(see Table 3).
The series of joints may involve different directions and may lie in more than one plane but the weld
shall always be of the same type and dimensions.
The weld-all-around symbol shall not be used if:
a) the weld does not start and end at the same point, i.e. it is not continuous (see 4.5.3);

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b) the weld type changes, for example from a fillet weld to a butt weld;
c) the weld dimensions change, for example the nominal throat thickness of a fillet weld. In this case,
each weld shall be identified using a separate welding symbol.
NOTE The weld-all-around symbol is not used to indicate that welds are to be made everywhere.
Welds extending around the circumference of a circular section/hole or elongated hole (slot) do not
require the use of the weld-all-around symbol to specify a continuous weld.
4.5.3 Welds of the same type made from point to point
The weld between two points symbol may be used to designate a continuous weld (stop and restart
allowed unless otherwise stated), of the same type, extending between two points. In this case, the
weld does not begin and end at the same point, and the weld all around symbol shall not be used (see
4.5.2). The end points of the weld shall be clearly indicated and the welding symbol shall clearly indicate
the joint to be welded.
Figure 2 gives an example of how such a weld is designated using 1 welding symbol.
Key
1 welding symbol
2 visual response (welded in accordance with the welding symbol)
A, B weld end positions that (when required, shall be identified)
NOTE 1 There is no weld from point B to point A (fillet weld not possible).
NOTE 2 Any identifier can be used to identify weld end positions e.g. A, B and X, Y etc.
Figure 2 — Example of a welding symbol for a fillet weld made between two points A and B

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4.5.4 Field welds
Field welds shall be specified by adding the field weld symbol at the junction of the arrow and reference
lines (see Table 3). The symbol shall be placed perpendicularly to and above the reference line. The
symbol applies to the whole welding symbol.
4.5.5 Root reinforcement — Butt welds made from one side
The root reinforcement symbol shall only be used when complete joint penetration plus a specified
minimum root reinforcement dimension is required in butt welds made from one side (see Figure 3).
The root reinforcement symbol shall be placed opposite the elementary symbol and on the other side of
the reference line.
a) System A welding symbol b) System B welding symbol
c) Weld produced using either system
Figure 3 — Example of a weld with specified root reinforcement
4.5.6 Welds on flanged butt and flanged corner joints
Welds on flanged butt and flanged corner joints shall be specified using the symbols shown in Table 4.

Table 4 — Welds on flanged butt and flanged corner joints
16
No. Weld type System A welding symbol Illustration of weld System B welding symbol
FLANGED BUTT JOINTS
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1 Edge
2 Flanged butt
FLANGED CORNER JOINTS

3 Edge
Flanged
4
corner
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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4.6 Arrow line
4.6.1 General
An arrow line shall be used to indicate the joint to be welded.

The arrow line shall:
— point to and be in contact with a solid line comprising part of the joint on the drawing (visible line);
— be drawn at an angle to and joined to a reference line and completed with a closed filled arrowhead.
The arrow line may be joined to either end of the reference line.
4.6.2 Multiple arrow lines
Two or more arrow lines may be combined with a single reference line to indicate the locations of
identical welds (see Figure 4).
a) System A welding symbol b) System B welding symbol
c) Weld produced using either system
Figure 4 — Examples of use of multiple arrow lines
4.6.3 Broken arrow line
For butt joints in plates (excluding T-joints) when a specific joint member is required to be prepared (e.g.
single-bevel or single-J butt welds), the arrow line shall have a break and point toward that member.
The arrow line need not be broken if it is obvious or if there is no preference as to which member is to
be prepared.
Examples of the use of broken arrow lines are given in Table A.1.

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4.7 Reference line and weld location
4.7.1 Reference line
The reference line when combined with elementary symbols, is used to indicate the side of the joint on
which the weld is to be made.
NOTE The reference line can be drawn parallel to the right side edge of the drawing (whole welding symbol
rotated by 90°) but only when space does not permit drawing parallel to the bottom edge.
4.7.1A Reference line — System A: The refer- 4.7.1B Reference line — System B: The refer-
ence line consists of two parallel lines of equal ence line shall be drawn as a continuous line (see
length: a continuous line and a dashed line (see Examples in Annex A).
Examples in Annex A).
The dashed line may be drawn above or below
the continuous line but shall preferably be drawn
below.
The dashed line should be omitted for symmet-
rical welds and for spot and seam welds made at
the interface between two components.
4.7.2 Weld location
4.7.2.1 Arrow side/Other side
The arrow side is the side of the joint to which the arrowhead is pointing (see Table 5).
The other side is the opposite side of the joint to which the arrowhead is pointing. The arrow side and
other side always form part of the same joint.
The other side of a joint shall not be confused with a hidden weld forming part of a different joint.
Examples of how to designate welds on the arrow side and other side of joints are given in Table A.2.
4.7.2.1A Arrow side/Other side — System 4.7.2.1B Arrow side/Other side — System B:

A: Elementary symbols shall be located on the Elementary symbols shall be located below the
continuous line when the weld is to be made on reference line when the weld is to be made on the
the arrow side of the joint. arrow side of the joint.
Elementary symbols shall be located on the Elementary symbols shall be located above the
dashed line when the weld is to be made on the reference line when the weld is to be made on the
other side of the joint. other side of the joint.

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Table 5 — Use of welding symbols to designate arrow side and other side
Weld Same weld produced
System A System B
location using all four options
Arrow side
symbol on solid component of

symbol below reference line
reference line
Other side
symbol on dashed component

symbol above reference line
of reference line
NOTE 1 In system A, the component of the reference line on which the elementary symbol is placed determines the side of
the joint which is to be welded - the dashed line can be drawn above or below the solid line.
NOTE 2 In system B, the position of the elementary symbol above or below the reference line determines the side of the
joint on which the weld is made
4.7.2.2 Plug, spot, seam and projection welds
The arrow line shall point to and be in contact with the outer surface of one of the joint members, at the
centreline of the required weld.
In the case of welds made at the interface between two members, the elementary symbol shall be placed
centrally on the reference line (see Table A.2) and there is no arrow side/other side relevance. In this
case, the dashed reference line may be omitted from system A welding symbols.
4.7.2.2A Projection welds — System A: The 4.7.2.2B Projection welds — System B: The

arrow line shall point to the sheet containing arrow line shall point to the sheets to be welded
the projection and the elementary symbol shall and the elementary symbol shall be placed above
be placed centrally on the reference line (see or below the reference line to designate which
Table A.2). The projection welding process shall sheet contains the projection (see Table A.2). The
be clearly identified e.g. in the tail (e.g. ISO 4063 projection welding process shall be identified e.g.
Process 23 or ISO 4063‑23). in the tail (e.g. PW).
4.7.3 Multiple reference lines
Two or more reference lines can be used to indicate a series of operations. The first operation shall
be specified on the reference line closest to the arrowhead. Subsequent operations shall be specified
sequentially on the other reference lines (see Figure 5).
For joints with spacers, the symbol for the spacer shall appear on the reference line nearest to the arrow
NOTE For joints requiring more than one weld type, combined symbols can also be used (see Table 2).

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a) Example —System A b) Example — System B
Key
1 first operation
2 second operation
3 third operation
NOTE 1, 2 and 3 are shown to indicate the order of the welding operations and are not included on drawings.
Figure 5 — Multiple reference lines
4.8 Tail
The tail is an optional element which may be added to the end of the continuous reference line (see
Figure 6) where additional complementary information is included as part of the welding symbol,
for example:
a) quality level, for example in accordance with ISO 5817, ISO 10042, ISO 13919, etc.;
b) the welding process, for example reference number in accordance with ISO 4063 or abbreviation;
c) filler material, for example in accordance with ISO 14171, ISO 14341, etc.;
d) welding position for example in accordance with ISO 6947;
e) supplementary information to be considered when making the joint.
The information shall be listed and separated by a forward slash (/), [see Figure 6 a)].
A closed tail shall only be used to indicate reference to a specific instruction, e.g. reference to a welding
procedure specification (WPS), welding procedure qualification record (WPQR) or other document
[see Figure 6 b)].
Repetition of the same information in the tail on multiple welding symbols shall be avoided. A single
general note on the drawing shall be used instead.
a) Open tail b) Closed tail
Figure 6 — Examples of the use of a tail on welding symbols

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5 Dimensioning of welds
5.1 General
Dimensions shall be specified on the same side of the reference line as the associated elementary
symbol (see Table 6 and Figure A.1).
Drawings shall clearly indicate the units of measurement. Dual units of measure shall be avoided. If it
is desired to show conversions from one system of measure to another, a table of conversions should be
included on the drawing.
5.2 Cross-sectional dimensions

Cross-sectional dimensions shall be placed to the left of the elementary symbol. Letters shall only be
combined with cross-sectional dimensions for fillet welds (see 5.5).
5.3 Length dimensions
5.3.1 General
Nominal weld length dimensions shall be placed to the right of the elementary symbol.
In the absence of a length dimension, the weld shall be continuous along the entire length of the joint
except when using the weld from point to point symbol where the weld extends only between the
identified points.
Start and end points of welds that are not continuous along the entire length of the joint shall not be
part of the welding symbol but indicated clearly as part of the drawing.
5.3.2 Intermittent welds
5.3.2.1 General
Dimensions of intermittent welds shall be placed to the right of the elementary symbol (see Table 6):
a) number of weld elements, n;
b) length of each weld element, l;
c) spacing between weld elements, e (in parentheses).
A multiplication symbol shall be placed between the number of elements, n, and the length of the weld
elements, l. If the number of weld elements is not specified, the intermittent weld shall be made along
the whole length of the joint.
NOTE Other methods, commonly used by Pacific Rim countries, for designating intermittent welds are
shown in Annex C.
5.3.2.2 Chain intermittent welds
For chain intermittent welds, all information shall be included for welds on both sides of the joint.
5.3.2.3 Staggered intermittent welds
Staggered intermittent welds shall be designated using the "Z" symbol across the reference line (see
Table 3, No. 13) and shall include all information for welds made on both sides of the joint. In the absence
of any information concerning the offset, the centres of the weld elements on one side of the joint shall
correspond with the centres of the gaps on the opposite side of the joint. Otherwise, the offset shall be
specified in the tail or elsewhere.

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5.3.2.4 Extent of welding
Additional weld lengths at the ends of intermittent welds shall be specified using separate
welding symbols.
Un-welded lengths at the ends of intermittent welds shall be specified on the drawing.
5.4 Butt welds
5.4.1 Penetration depth
The required penetration depth shall be placed to the left of the elementary symbol (see Table 6, No. 1).
In the absence of any cross-sectional dimension, butt welds shall always be full penetration.
Where joint geometry or joint preparation are not specified, an alternative symbol can be used to
represent butt welds on drawings by specifying the required weld quality — see Clause 7.
Where a specified root reinforcement is required, the minimum dimension of the root reinforcement
shall be placed to the left of the root reinforcement symbol (see Figure 3).
5.4.2 Double-sided welds
In double-sided butt welds, each weld shall be separately dimensioned.

NOTE Full penetration symmetrical butt welds do not need to be dimensioned.
5.4.3 Flanged butt welds
Flanged butt welds are always full penetration welds (the raised edges are completely melted). These
welds require no dimensioning.
5.4.4 Flare bevel and flare-V butt welds
Flare bevel and flare-V butt welds shall always be dimensioned. Examples of how to dimension these
types of weld are given in Table 6, No. 1.6 and No. 1.7.
5.5 Fillet welds
5.5.1 Weld size
The letter, a, nominal throat thickness, or z, leg length, shall be placed in front of the dimension to the
left of the elementary symbol (see Table 6, No. 2.1).
For fillet welds with unequal leg lengths the dimensions of each leg shall be included, preceded by the
letter z, e.g. z14 z28 (see Table 6, No. 2.3). If the required leg lengths cannot be identified clearly using the
welding symbol, additional sketches or indications shall be given on the drawing or in other documents.
For fillet welds made on both sides of a joint, the dimensions of both welds shall be specified even if
they are identical (symmetrical).
5.5.2 Deep penetration fillet welds
The letter, s, shall be placed in front of the required deep penetration throat thickness. This shall be
placed in front of the nominal throat thickness, a, and its dimension as shown in Table 6, No. 2.2.

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5.6 Plug welds in circular holes

The diameter symbol, d, shall be placed in front of the required hole diameter at the faying surface, and
to the left of the plug weld symbol (see Table 6, No. 3).
If plug welds in circular holes are to be partially filled, the depth of filling shall be indicated inside the
elementary symbol. In the absence of a depth dimension, the plug shall be completely filled (see Table 6,
No. 3.1 and No. 3.2).
Plug welds in circular holes in series shall be designated additionally with the number, and centre-to-
centre spacing of welds to the right of the elementary symbol (see Table 6, No. 3.3).
NOTE The plug weld symbol is not used to designate fillet welds in holes (slot welds).
5.7 Plug welds in elongated holes (slots)

The width symbol, c, shall be placed in front of the required elongated hole width at the faying surface,
and to the left of the plug weld symbol (see Table 6, No. 4). The orientation of elongated holes shall be
shown on the drawing or indicated elsewhere.
If plug welds in elongated holes are to be partially filled, the depth of filling shall be indicated inside
the elementary symbol (see Table 6, No. 4.2). In the absence of a depth dimension, the hole shall be
completely filled.
Plug welds in elongated holes in series shall be designated additionally with the number, length and
spacing of weld elements to the right of the elementary symbol (see Table 6, No. 4.3).
NOTE The plug weld symbol is not used to designate fillet welds in elongated holes (slot welds).
5.8 Spot welds

The required spot weld diameter at the faying surface, d, shall be placed to the left of the spot weld
symbol (see Table 6, No. 5).
Welds in series shall be designated with the number, and spacing of welds to the right of the elementary
symbol (see Table 6, No. 5.1 and No. 5.2).
5.9 Seam welds

The required weld width, c, at the faying surface, shall be placed to the left of the seam weld symbol (see
Table 6, No. 6).
Intermittent welds shall be additionally designated with the number, length and spacing of weld
elements to the right of the elementary symbol (see Table 6, No. 6.1).
5.10 Edge welds

The required weld metal thickness of the edge weld shall be placed to the left of the edge weld symbol
(see Table 6, No. 7).
5.11 Stud welds

The required stud diameter, d, shall be placed to the left of the stud weld symbol (see Table 6, No. 8).
Welds in series shall be designated with their number and spacing to the right of the elementary symbol.

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5.12 Overlay welds

The required overlay thickness shall be placed to the left of the overlay welding symbol (see
Table 6, No. 9).
5.13 Stake welds

The required stake weld size at the faying surface shall be placed to the left of the stake welding symbol
(see Table 6, No. 5.3).

Table 6 — Weld dimensions
No. Weld type Illustration Symbol a Comments
1 BUTT
s, penetration depth
No dimension to the left
of the elementary symbol
indicates butt welds shall

1.1 Full penetration be full penetration.
No dimension to the right
be continuous.
Letter s to be replaced by

required dimension.
1.2 Partial penetration
No dimension to the right
be continuous.
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25

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Table 6 (continued)
26
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1.3 Intermittent
n, number of weld elements

l, nominal length of weld
elements
e, distance between weld
elements
1.4 Chain intermittent n, l and e to be replaced by
required values.
No dimension to the left

indicates the welds shall
be full penetration.
Staggered intermit-
1.5
tent

Table 6 (continued)

1.6 Flare V

Letter s to be replaced by
required dimension.
1.7 Flare bevel
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Table 6 (continued)
28
2 FILLET
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a, nominal throat thickness

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or z, leg length
2.1 Fillet
a and z are to be included
on the welding symbol
with the required values.
s, deep penetration throat

thickness
2.2 Deep penetration s and a are to be included

with the required values.
z1 ≠ z2
z1 and z2 are to be included
with the required leg
lengths, e.g. z14 z28.
2.3 Unequal legs If the required leg lengths
cannot be identified clearly
using the welding symbol,
additional sketches or
indications are to be given
on the drawing or in other
documents.

Table 6 (continued)
elements
or
elements

2.4 Intermittent
a or z are to be included on
the welding symbol with
the required value.
n, l and e to be replaced by
required values.

2.5 Chain intermittent or n, number of weld elements
elements
elements
a or z are to be included on
the welding symbol with
the required value.
n, l and e to be replaced by
Staggered intermit- required values
2.6 or
tent
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29

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Table 6 (continued)
30
3 PLUG WELDS IN CIRCULAR HOLES
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d, diameter of the hole at

3.1 Complete fill
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
the faying surface

s, depth of filling, used if
the hole is to be partially
filled
3.2 Partial fill e, distance between weld

elements (centre to centre)
d to be included on the
welding symbol with the
required value.

3.3 Intermittent s, n and e, to be replaced by
required values.

Table 6 (continued)
4 PLUG WELDS IN ELONGATED HOLES (SLOTS)
4.1 Complete fill c, width of the elongated

hole at the faying surface

s, depth of filling
4.2 Partial fill l, nominal length of weld
elements
elements
c to be included on the
welding symbol with the

required value
4.3 Intermittent
s, n, l and e, to be replaced
by required values.
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Table 6 (continued)
32
5 SPOT
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d, required spot weld

diameter at the faying
surface
e, distance between welds
(centre to centre)
5.1 Resistance spot
n, number of welds
d to be replaced by the re-
quired spot weld diameter.
n and e to be replaced by
required dimensions.


Table 6 (continued)
d, required spot weld

diameter at the faying

surface
e, distance between welds
(centre to centre)
5.2 Fusion spot
n, number of welds
d to be replaced by the re-
quired spot weld diameter.
n and e to be replaced by
required dimensions.

d, required stake weld size
5.3 Stake
at the faying surface
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33

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Table 6 (continued)
34
6 SEAM
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c, required seam weld

width at the faying surface
elements
Intermittent resist-
6.1
ance seam e, distance between weld
elements
For continuous resist-
ance seam welds, only the
required seam width is
specified.

c, required seam weld
width at the faying surface
6.2 Fusion seam Intermittent welds to be
designated using n, l and e
as for resistance welds.

Table 6 (continued)
7 EDGE
7.1 Edge (lap joint)

s, weld metal thickness
(minimum distance from
7.2 Edge (flanged butt) the external surface of the
weld to the bottom of the
penetration)
Edge (flanged
7.3
corner)
8 STUD

d, stud size
n, number of studs
8.1 Series
e, distance between studs
(centre to centre)
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Table 6 (continued)
36
9 OVERLAY
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9.1 Overlay s, overlay thickness

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6 Dimensioning of joint preparations
6.1 General
If required, information concerning the joint dimensions and geometry prior to welding may be included
as part of the welding symbol or may be specified elsewhere, e.g. by reference to the relevant part of
ISO 9692 or on the WPS.
If information on joint dimensions is to be included it should not overburden the drawings. Reference to
other documents should be considered instead of including this information as part of the symbol.
6.2 Root gap

The root gap, b, of a butt joint may be specified inside the elementary symbol (see Table 7).
The root gap shall only be shown on one side of the reference line.
Table 7 — Examples of designating root gap

No. Weld type Illustration Symbol
1 Square butt
2 V butt
Double bevel
3
butt
6.3 Included angle

The angle (groove angle), α, of a butt joint may be specified outside the elementary symbol (see Table 8).
For double-sided joints, including symmetrical joints, the angle(s) shall be shown on both sides of the
welding symbol.
Table 8 — Examples of designating angle

1 V butt

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2 J butt
Double bevel butt

3
(symmetrical)
Double V butt
4
(asymmetrical)
6.4 Root radius and depth of root faces — U and J butt joints
The radii and dimensions of root faces of U and J butt joints are not to be specified as part of welding
symbols and shall be specified elsewhere, in a cross-section, detail, or other data e.g. the relevant part
of ISO 9692 referenced in the tail of the welding symbol.
6.5 Depth of joint preparation

The depth of joint preparation of V-, single-bevel-, U-, and J-butt, joints can be specified to the left of
the elementary symbol. The depth of joint preparation preceded by the letter h shall be followed by the
required penetration depth preceded by the letter s (see Table 9).
NOTE The depth of the joint preparation can be greater than, equal to, or smaller than the weld penetration.
Table 9 — Examples of designating joint preparation depth

No. Weld type Illustrationa Symbola
h and s are to be included on the

1 V butt welding symbol with the required
values, e.g. h6s8.
a Root face in illustrations exaggerated to illustrate use of h and s.

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No. Weld type Illustrationa Symbola
h and s are to be included on the

welding symbol with the required
values, e.g. h6s8.
2 Double V butt
h to be included on the welding

symbol with the required values,
e.g. h6.
s may be included on the welding
symbol with the required values,
e.g. h6s8 but full penetration sym-
metrical butt welds do not need to
be dimensioned (see 5.4.2).
a Root face in illustrations exaggerated to illustrate use of h and s.
6.6 Countersink angle for plug welds

The included angle of countersink of holes for plug welds may be indicated by placing the required
dimension above the elementary symbol (see Table 10).
Table 10 — Countersink angle in plug welds

No. Weld type Symbola Illustration
Plug in circular
1
hole
Plug in elon-
2 gated hole
(slot)
a c and d are measured at the faying surface (see 5.6 and 5.7) and shall be indicated on the drawing in accordance with
Table 6, No. 3 and No. 4.
7 Alternative butt weld symbol with required weld quality
7.1 General
The alternative symbol shown in Table 11 can be used to represent butt welds by only specifying the
required weld quality. All additional information shall be designated in accordance with this document.
When using this method, the joint preparation and welding process(es) are determined by the
production unit to meet the specified weld quality.
NOTE All other information is specified in the WPS or other documentation based on the available
equipment. Different WPSs can be used in other workshops with different equipment but the technical drawing
will not need to be revised for each workshop.

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Table 11 — Alternative simplified butt weld symbol

Symbol Description
Butt weld where joint preparation is not defined
7.2 Example
An example of a welding symbol based on required weld quality is shown in Figure 7.
Full penetration welds shall not be dimensioned (see Clause 5).
NOTE Example is in accordance with system A. For system B, the dashed line is to be omitted.
Figure 7 — Example of a welding symbol including required weld quality

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Annex A
(informative)
Examples of the use of welding symbols
The examples given in Annex A are illustrative only and are intended to demonstrate the proper
application of drawing principles. They are not intended to represent good design practices, or to
replace code or specification requirements.
Figure A.1 shows examples of comprehensive welding symbols showing the location of weld elements.
a) System A
b) System B
Key
1 elementary symbol (fillet weld)
2 supplementary symbol (concave fillet weld contour, field weld, weld-all-around)
3 complementary information (shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)/process 111 in accordance with ISO 4063)
4 dimensions (5 mm nominal throat thickness intermittent fillet weld, composing 4 weld elements 100 mm in
length with 200 mm spacing between elements)
5 tail
6a reference line (continuous)
6b dashed line (system A only)
NOTE Both a) and b) designate the same intermittent fillet weld, made in the field, on the arrow side of
the joint: 5 mm nominal throat thickness, composing 4 weld elements 100 mm in length with 200 mm spacing
between weld elements.
Figure A.1 — Examples of comprehensive welding symbols
Tables A.1 to A.3 give examples of the use of welding symbols. In system A the dashed component of the
reference line can be drawn above or below the continuous line (see 4.7.2.1 A). The examples show the
preferred case where the dashed line is drawn below the continuous line.

Table A.1 — Examples of use of broken arrow lines
42
No. System A welding symbol Illustration of weld System B welding symbol
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1
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3

Table A.2 — Examples of arrow side and other side welds
No. Weld type Side System A welding symbol Illustration of weld System B welding symbol

Single
Arrow
bevel butt


Fillet Other

1 Single J
Arrow
butt

Single
bevel butt
Other
(broad

root face)

Single-V
2 a) Arrow
butt
Single-V
2 b) Other
butt
a Plug welds in circular holes require inclusion of the letter, d, with the dimension of the required hole diameter at the faying surface.
b Plug welds in elongated holes (slots) require inclusion of the letter, c, with the dimension of the required width of the elongated hole at the faying surface. Orientation of the
slot is to be shown on the drawing or indicated elsewhere.
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Table A.2 (continued)
44
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Fusion
3 a) Arrow
spot
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Fusion
3 b) Other
spot

Plug in
4 a) circular Arrow
holea
Plug in
4 b) circular Other
holea

Plug in
elongated

5 a) Arrow
hole (slot)
b

Plug in
elongated
5 b) Other
hole (slot)
b
ISO 2553:2019
45

BS EN ISO 2553:2019

46
ISO 2553:2019
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
Fusion
6 a) Arrow
seam

Fusion
6 b) Other
seam


7 a) Stake Arrow

7 b) Stake Other
ISO 2553:2019
47

BS EN ISO 2553:2019

48
ISO 2553:2019
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
No side
signifi-
Resistance cance with
8
spot resistance
welds at the
interface

No side
signifi-
Resistance cance with
9
seam resistance
welds at the
interface


Arrow
points to
the sheet
10 Projection
containing
the projec-
tion

ISO 2553:2019
49

BS EN ISO 2553:2019

Table A.3 — Examples of welding symbols for asymmetrical welds
50
Weld
No. System A welding symbola Illustration of weld System B welding symbol
type
ISO 2553:2019
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
1 Butt
2 Filletb
a Asymmetrical welds are always dimensioned regardless if they are partial or full penetration welds (see Clause 6).
b If the nominal throat thickness is specified, symbol a is used in place of z.

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

Annex B
(informative)
Tolerances and transition points for weld types
Joint Weld
Transition/tolerance α Symbol
type type
135° to 180°
Butt Butt Table 1, No. 1
inclusive
Over 30° and

Corner Fillet Table 1, No. 10
less than 135°
Edge Edge 0° to 30° inclusive Table 1, No. 19
45° to 90°
Angle Butt Table 1, No. 4
inclusive
Over 5° and less

Angle Fillet Table 1, No. 10
than 45°
Lap Fillet 0° to 5° inclusive Table 1, No. 10
NOTE Taken from ISO 17659.

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

Annex C
(informative)
Alternative methods for designating intermittent butt and

fillet welds
C.1 General
The alternative methods for designating intermittent butt and fillet welds are included for informational
purposes only. These methods are used or adapted in at least AWS A2.4:2012, AS 1101.3:2005 and
JIS Z 3021:2016. Information on how to designate other intermittent weld types can be found in
these standards.
C.2 Butt welds

C.2.1 Intermittent butt welds
The pitch of intermittent butt welds is defined as the distance between the centres of adjacent weld
elements on one side of the joint. The pitch of intermittent butt welds is specified to the right of the
length dimension following a hyphen (see Table C.1).
C.2.2 Chain intermittent butt welds

The dimensions of chain intermittent butt welds are specified on both sides of the reference line. The
elements of chain intermittent butt welds are made approximately opposite one another across the
joint (see Table C.1).
C.2.3 Staggered Intermittent butt Welds

The dimensions of staggered intermittent butt welds are specified on both sides of the reference line,
and the butt weld symbols are offset on opposite sides of the reference line (see Table C.1).
C.3 Fillet welds

C.3.1 Intermittent fillet welds
The pitch of intermittent fillet welds is defined as the distance between the centres of adjacent weld
elements on one side of the joint. The pitch of intermittent fillet welds is specified to the right of the
length dimension following a hyphen (see Table C.2).
C.3.2 Chain intermittent fillet welds

The dimensions of chain intermittent fillet welds are specified on both sides of the reference line. The
elements of chain intermittent fillet welds are made approximately opposite one another across the
joint (see Table C.2).
C.3.3 Staggered Intermittent fillet welds

The dimensions of staggered intermittent fillet welds are specified on both sides of the reference line,
and the fillet weld symbols are be offset on opposite sides of the reference line (see Table C.2).

Table C.1 — Butt welds
No. Weld type Illustration of weld Welding symbol Comments
1 Intermittent

l, nominal length of weld ele-
ments
e, pitch of intermittent groove
welds, the distance between the
centres of adjacent weld seg-
2 Chain Intermittent ments on one side of the joint

l and e to be replaced by required
values.
Staggered Inter-
3
mittent
ISO 2553:2019
53

BS EN ISO 2553:2019

Table C.2 — Fillet welds
54
No. Weld type Illustration of weld Welding symbol Comments
ISO 2553:2019
BS EN ISO 2553:2019
1 Intermittent
l, nominal length of weld ele-

ments

e, pitch of intermittent groove
2 Chain intermittent welds, the distance between the
centres of adjacent weld seg-
ments on one side of the joint
l and e to be replaced by required
values.
Staggered intermit-
3
tent

BS EN ISO 2553:2019
ISO 2553:2019

Bibliography
[1] ISO 1302, Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Indication of surface texture in technical
product documentation
[2] ISO 2553:19922), Welded, brazed and soldered joints — Symbolic representation on drawings
[3] ISO 5817, Welding — Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding
excluded) — Quality levels for imperfections
[4] ISO 6947, Welding and allied processes — Welding positions
[5] ISO 9692 (all parts), Welding and allied processes — Types of joint preparation
[6] ISO 10042, Welding — Arc-welded joints in aluminium and its alloys — Quality levels for
imperfections
[7] ISO 13919 (all parts), Welding — Electron and laser beam welded joints — Guidance on quality
levels for imperfections
[8] ISO 14171, Welding consumables — Solid wire electrodes, tubular cored electrodes and electrode/flux
combinations for submerged arc welding of non alloy and fine grain steels — Classification
[9] ISO 14341, Welding consumables — Wire electrodes and weld deposits for gas shielded metal arc
welding of non alloy and fine grain steels — Classification
[10] ISO 14731, Welding coordination — Tasks and responsibilities
[11] ISO 17659, Welding — Multilingual terms for welded joints with illustrations
[12] AWS A2.4:2012, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
[13] AS 1101‑3:2005, Graphical symbols for welding engineering — Part 3: Welding and non-
destructive examination
[14] JIS Z 3021:2016, Welding and allied processes — Symbolic representations
[15] Gregory E. N., & Armstrong A. A. Welding symbols on drawings, Abington, Cambridge:
Woodhead Publishing Limited. ISBN 1-85573-589-X
2) Withdrawn.

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BSI Standards Publication

Welding and allied processes - Symbolic

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

ICS 01.100.20; 25.160.40 Supersedes EN ISO 2553:2013

Welding and allied processes - Symbolic representation

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 22 March 2019.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved ﻿ iii

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Welding and allied processes - Symbolic representation on

3 Terms and definitions

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved ﻿ 1

— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/

2 ﻿ © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Note 2 to entry: See 5.3.2.2.

[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.17, modified — Note 2 to entry has been adapted.]

Note 2 to entry: See 5.3.2.3.

[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.16, modified — Note 2 to entry has been adapted.]

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved ﻿ 3

[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.18]

[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.19]

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4.2 Basic welding symbol

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved ﻿ 5

4.3 Welding symbol systems

4.4 Elementary symbols

Table 1 — Elementary symbols

6 ﻿ © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Illustration of weld type

Single-V butt with

12.1 Resistance spotc

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Illustration of weld type

8 ﻿ © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Illustration of weld type

20.2 Flanged corner

4.4.2 Combinations of elementary symbols

Elementary symbols may be combined as required to represent particular weld configurations.

4.4.3 Double-sided butt welds

Table 2 — Combined elementary symbols to represent symmetrical double-sided welds

2 Double bevel butt

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved ﻿ 9

No. Weld type Illustration of welda Symbolb

Double bevel butt

4.5 Supplementary symbols

10 ﻿ © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Table 3 — Supplementary symbols

Specified root re-

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved ﻿ 11

No. Designation Symbola Application examplea Illustration of weld

a) Joint showing insert in

b) Welded joint showing

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No. Designation Symbola Application examplea Illustration of weld

Weld between two

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