3DLD Methodology as the Foundation of a Digital Standard for Welding Quality Assessment

Abstract

Modern standards for evaluating the quality of welded joints (ISO 5817, ISO 17637, AWS D1.1, etc.) are based on defect classification and visual criteria, which limits their applicability in the context of industrial digitalization, robotics, and remote control. This paper demonstrates that the lack of a digital standard for weld geometry assessment acts as a systemic barrier to the further development of welding production. The necessity of creating an international digital standard based on a mathematically rigorous reference profile model and digital quality metrics is substantiated. The 3DLD method is proposed as the foundation of the standard. This method was previously implemented by the authors in the form of a mathematical model and digital assessment algorithms for weld surface shape using a dimensionless criterion—the Weld Quality Index (WQI). It is shown that the digital standard is a key element in the transition of the welding industry to digital twins, robotic systems, and objective welder qualification.