See the latest from Welding Journal, SprayTime, Inspections Trends, Welding Marketplace, and more.
AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026
Structural Welding Code—Aluminum
Jump to:
The Structural Aluminum Industry Has Evolved. So Has AWS D1.2.
Over the past decade, advances in new materials, evolving fabrication practices, and improvements in welding technology continued to shape the structural aluminum industry.
AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026, Structural Welding Code–Aluminum (D1.2) is the first update since 2014, bringing those changes together in a single, industry-recognized standard.
Who should use this Standard?
AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 is intended for professionals involved in the design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and specification of welded aluminum structures, including:
-
Engineers & Specifiers
-
Fabricators & Shop Managers
-
Inspectors
-
CWI Aluminum Endorsement
Engineers & Specifiers
Reference current structural aluminum welding requirements when developing project specifications and contract documents.
Fabricators & Shop Managers
Apply updated qualification requirements, expanded material coverage, and revised fabrication guidance throughout production.
Inspectors
Reference current structural aluminum welding requirements when inspecting welded aluminum structures.
CWI Aluminum Endorsement
Candidates study from the latest edition of AWS D1.2 as you prepare for the CWI Aluminum Endorsement exam and build your professional reference library.
Supporting Resources
Supporting Resources
Read the First Look at AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 article from Welding Journal:
- Explore the "What's New" overview
- Review related AWS standards and training resources
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026?AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 Structural Welding Code–Aluminum is the American Welding Society's standard covering the welding requirements for structures made from aluminum structural alloys. The 2026 edition is the first update since 2014 and incorporates revisions reflecting advancements in structural aluminum materials, welding technology, qualification requirements, and fabrication practices.
-
What's new in AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026?AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 includes updates throughout the standard, including revised qualification requirements, expanded base and filler metal tables, updated fabrication guidance, reorganized clauses for easier navigation, and expanded technical definitions. These revisions reflect current structural aluminum welding practices and provide an updated industry-recognized standard.
-
Why should I update to AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 if I already own the 2014 edition?Since the previous edition was published, structural aluminum welding has continued to evolve through advancements in materials, welding technology, and fabrication practices. AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 Structural Welding Code–Aluminum reflects those changes by incorporating updated requirements and technical guidance throughout the standard, making it the current reference for today's structural aluminum welding applications.
-
Who should use AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026?AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 is intended for professionals involved in the design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and specification of welded aluminum structures. This includes structural engineers, fabricators, shop managers, welding inspectors, welding engineers, quality professionals, and individuals preparing for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Aluminum Endorsement exam.
-
Does AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 replace the 2014 edition?Yes. AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 is the current edition of the Structural Welding Code–Aluminum and supersedes the 2014 edition. Organizations should always follow the edition specified by applicable contract documents, project specifications, regulatory requirements, or governing codes.
-
What does AWS D1.2 cover?AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 establishes requirements for the welding of structures made from aluminum structural alloys. The standard addresses qualification requirements, fabrication, inspection, workmanship, and other technical provisions used throughout structural aluminum welding projects.
-
Is AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 applicable to the CWI Aluminum Endorsement exam?Individuals preparing for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Aluminum Endorsement should consult current AWS exam requirements. Because AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 is the latest edition of the Structural Welding Code–Aluminum, it serves as the current technical reference for structural aluminum welding.
-
Where can I purchase AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026?AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 Structural Welding Code–Aluminum is available through the AWS Bookstore. Visit the product page to review the publication details, scope, and purchasing options.
-
What is structural aluminum welding?Structural aluminum welding is the process of joining aluminum structural components used in applications such as buildings, bridges, transportation equipment, and other load-bearing structures. Because aluminum alloys have unique welding characteristics and performance requirements, structural aluminum welding is governed by established technical requirements and industry standards. AWS D1.2/D1.2M:2026 Structural Welding Code—Aluminum provides requirements and guidance for the welding of structures made from aluminum structural alloys.