AWS D9.1 - D9.1M-2018 PDF

Full title and description

AWS D9.1/D9.1M:2018 — Sheet Metal Welding Code. This code provides qualification, workmanship, and inspection requirements for both arc welding (Part A) and braze welding (Part B) as they apply to the fabrication, manufacture, and erection of nonstructural sheet metal components and systems. It covers commonly welded metals in sheet form and includes requirements for procedure and performance qualification, workmanship, and inspection; informative annexes provide supplemental material on materials and processes.

Abstract

AWS D9.1/D9.1M:2018 sets standardized requirements for welding and braze-welding of nonstructural sheet metal (including attachment of accessories and members used for stiffening or reinforcing) and addresses arc welding processes and braze welding processes, welder and operator qualification, procedure qualification, workmanship acceptance criteria, and inspection. The code applies to sheet metal thicknesses up to and including 0.2391 in (6.07 mm) and excludes applications where structural welding codes, automotive-specific requirements, or pressure conditions above approximately 5 psi apply. Units are provided in both U.S. Customary and SI where applicable.

General information

• Status: Originally published 2018; this edition has been superseded by a later revision (D9.1/D9.1M-2025).
• Publication date: 2018 (D9.1/D9.1M:2018).
• Publisher: American Welding Society (AWS).
• ICS / categories: Welding, brazing and soldering in general — ICS 25.160.01 (classification used in bibliographic sources).
• Edition / version: D9.1/D9.1M:2018 (edition in force from 2018 until superseded).
• Number of pages: 76 pages (approximate page count for the 2018 edition).

Scope

The code provides requirements for procedure and performance qualification, workmanship, inspection, and the qualification of welders and welding operators for nonstructural sheet metal components. Typical applications include HVAC systems, architectural sheet metal, food processing equipment, and similar nonstructural sheet metal work. The code applies to sheet metal thicknesses up to and including 0.2391 in (6.07 mm) and covers attachment of components and stiffening members; it is not intended for structural welding (see AWS D1.3/D1.3M), most automotive applications, or situations where pressure exceeds approximately 5 psi. Symbols conform to AWS A2.4 and both U.S. Customary and SI units are used (SI shown in brackets).

Key topics and requirements

• Distinction between Part A (Arc Welding) and Part B (Braze Welding) with specific provisions for each process.
• Procedure qualification requirements (PQR) and performance qualification requirements for welders and welding operators, including retest provisions.
• Workmanship acceptance criteria and inspection methods for welded and braze-welded sheet metal assemblies.
• Material scope: coated and uncoated carbon steels, HSLA, stainless steels, aluminum and aluminum alloys, copper and copper alloys, nickel and titanium alloys in sheet form.
• Limits and exclusions (pressure limits, structural applications, automotive exclusions, and where brazing/soldering standards govern).
• Use of AWS standard symbols (A2.4) and dual-unit presentation (U.S. Customary and SI).

Typical use and users

This code is used by sheet metal fabricators, HVAC manufacturers and installers, architectural sheet metal shops, equipment manufacturers (food processing, commercial appliances), quality inspectors, welding engineers, and contract manufacturers who perform or oversee welding and braze-welding of nonstructural sheet metal. It is also used by procurement and specification writers who need standardized acceptance and qualification criteria for sheet metal welding.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or complementary standards include: AWS D1.3/D1.3M — Structural Welding Code — Sheet Steel (for structural sheet applications); AWS A2.4 — Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination; AWS B2.2/B2.2M — Specification for Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification (when brazing qualifications are specified to that standard); AWS B2.3/B2.3M — Specification for Soldering Procedure and Performance Qualification; ANSI Z49.1 — Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (for safety guidance).

Keywords

sheet metal welding, sheet metal code, braze welding, arc welding, AWS D9.1, welder qualification, procedure qualification, workmanship, inspection, HVAC welding, architectural sheet metal.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AWS D9.1/D9.1M:2018 is the American Welding Society’s Sheet Metal Welding Code that prescribes qualification, workmanship, and inspection requirements for arc welding and braze welding of nonstructural sheet metal components.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedure and performance qualification, welder and welding-operator performance tests and retests, workmanship acceptance criteria, inspection requirements, and informative annexes on materials and processes for commonly welded sheet metals up to about 0.2391 in (6.07 mm) thickness. The code separates arc welding (Part A) and braze welding (Part B) requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Sheet metal fabricators, HVAC and architectural sheet metal shops, equipment manufacturers, welding inspectors, welding engineers, and specifiers who need consistent qualification and acceptance criteria for nonstructural sheet metal welding.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D9.1/D9.1M:2018 edition was the authoritative edition published in 2018, but it has been superseded by a revised edition (D9.1/D9.1M-2025), which was approved in 2025. Users should consult the AWS publications list or the issuing body to obtain the latest edition and confirm the currently applicable requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D9.1 is maintained by AWS Committee D9 (Sheet Metal Welding) and is part of the suite of AWS welding codes and specifications; it has successive published editions (historical editions exist for 2000, 2006, 2012, 2018, etc.) and ties into other AWS specifications referenced within the code.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sheet metal welding, braze welding, arc welding, welder qualification, procedure qualification, workmanship, inspection, HVAC, architectural sheet metal, AWS D9.1.