3. Conclusion

The field of welding and related techniques has been the subject of standardization work since the first half of the 20th century. The body of standards now available or at international level is particularly dense; however, it should be stressed that standardization is a work in perpetual evolution, since each standard is subject to a systematic review every five years, which may lead to its revision. The discerning reader is also advised to bear in mind that any standard can be revised at any time, and that it is really the end-users who are invited to contribute to the drafting of its content.