This standard is a tool for communication between a purchaser and a supplier of welding consumables within quality systems as might, for example, be based upon ISO 9001. This standard, together with an AWS, ISO, or other recognized welding consumable standard, provides a method for preparing those specific details needed for welding consumable procurement which consist of the following:

the welding consumable classification (selected from the pertinent AWS, ISO, or other welding consumable standard);

the lot classification (selected from Clause 5 of this standard);

the testing schedule (selected from Clause 6 of this standard).

Selection of the specific welding consumable classification, lot classification and testing schedule will depend upon the requirements of the application for which the welding consumable is being procured.