AWS D17.1 - D17.1M-2017 (2019) PDF

Full title and description

AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2017 (with subsequent 2019 amendments) — "Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications". This specification provides the general welding requirements for welding aircraft and space hardware, covering fusion welding of aluminum-, nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, magnesium-, and titanium‑based alloys using electric‑arc and high‑energy beam processes, and includes requirements for welding design, personnel and procedure qualification, inspection, acceptance criteria and repair of existing hardware.

Abstract

This document (3rd edition, D17.1/D17.1M:2017) defines technical and quality requirements for fusion welding and nondestructive examination (NDE) of aerospace flight and selected non‑flight hardware. It includes welding procedure and personnel qualification requirements, fabrication and workmanship criteria, inspection and acceptance requirements, repair procedures, and a commentary to aid application of the specification. The 2017 edition was later issued with amendments (AMD1, AMD2) and reprints.

General information

• Status: Historical (D17.1/D17.1M:2017 with 2017‑era amendments; the D17.1 series has been revised and a 2024 edition exists).
• Publication date: Published July 28, 2017 (D17.1/D17.1M:2017); reprints/amendments issued (2019 reprint/amendments).
• Publisher: American Welding Society (AWS).
• ICS / categories: Aircraft and space vehicles; welding processes (examples: ICS 49.020, 25.160.10).
• Edition / version: 3rd edition — D17.1/D17.1M:2017 (with AMD1 and AMD2 amendments / reprints).
• Number of pages: Approximately 118–120 pages (varies by print/reprint format).

Scope

The scope covers fusion welding processes applied to aerospace hardware — flight and non‑flight — and establishes requirements for welded joint design, welding procedure and personnel qualification, fabrication and workmanship, inspection (including visual and nondestructive examination), acceptance criteria, and repair of existing structures. Where regulatory oversight applies (for example FAA‑regulated aircraft), the Engineering Authority must ensure the specification is applied consistent with applicable regulations.

Key topics and requirements

• Welding design principles and guidance for aerospace welded joints (grooves, fillets, joint preparation).
• Qualification of welding procedures (WPS) and procedure qualification records (PQR) for a range of fusion processes.
• Qualification and performance requirements for welders, welding operators and tack welders.
• Fabrication and workmanship requirements (fit‑up, preheat, interpass control, filler metal selection).
• Inspection and nondestructive examination (visual, radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant) and acceptance criteria for production welds.
• Requirements and guidance for repair welding of existing aerospace hardware.
• Special considerations for materials common to aerospace (aluminum, titanium, nickel alloys, etc.) and for high‑energy beam processes.
• Amendments/errata addressing shielding gas/environmental controls, PQR/WPS test requirements, and related tables/figures (as published in AMD1/AMD2).

Typical use and users

Used by aerospace designers, manufacturing and repair organizations, welding engineers, welding procedure developers, contract quality/inspection teams, and certification authorities. It is commonly invoked in contract documents and procurement specifications for aircraft and space hardware to establish consistent welding and inspection requirements.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or associated documents include earlier and later editions of the D17.1 series (2010, 2017, 2024 editions), related AWS aerospace welding specifications (for example the D17.2 resistance welding specification), AWS filler‑metal documents, and industry standards for inspection and qualification (ISO and SAE documents used in aerospace welding contexts). Users should review the normative references listed in the specification when applying it.

Keywords

fusion welding, aerospace welding, D17.1, welding specification, WPS, PQR, welder qualification, nondestructive examination (NDE), inspection, repair welding, aluminum welding, titanium welding, high‑energy beam welding.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2017 is the American Welding Society's specification for fusion welding for aerospace applications — a technical specification that sets out requirements for fusion welding and inspection of aerospace flight and selected non‑flight hardware.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers weld design, welding procedure and personnel qualification, fabrication and workmanship controls, inspection and NDE methods and acceptance criteria, repair welding, and material/process guidance for common aerospace alloys and fusion welding processes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Welding engineers, manufacturing and repair facilities in the aerospace sector, contract quality/inspection personnel, engineering authorities who specify welding requirements for aircraft/space hardware, and certification bodies involved in approval of procedures and repairs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (D17.1/D17.1M:2017) was issued with subsequent amendments (AMD1, AMD2) and reprints; the D17.1 series was revised and a 2024 edition exists. Users should confirm whether the 2017 edition with amendments or the later 2024 edition is the applicable version for their contract or regulatory requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D17.1 is part of the AWS D17 series of aerospace welding specifications (which include related documents such as D17.2 for resistance welding and other process‑specific aerospace welding standards). The D17 series is maintained by the AWS technical committee for welding in the aircraft and aerospace industries.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: fusion welding, aerospace, welding specification, WPS, PQR, welder qualification, NDE, repair welding, aluminum, titanium, high‑energy beam.