November 2025: New Coating, Welding & Tool Safety Standards for Manufacturing

In November 2025, the manufacturing engineering sector saw the publication of five significant international standards that target coherence, safety, and performance in core industrial processes. From rigorous specifications for underwater welding and non-metallic abrasives to advanced requirements for electroplated coatings and fastener tool safety, these standards represent foundational shifts for manufacturers, engineers, and compliance teams worldwide. This comprehensive review covers each standard’s scope, application, and practical implications, ensuring professionals stay informed and competitive.

Overview

Manufacturing engineering forms the cornerstone of countless sectors, from automotive to marine and industrial construction. Consistent adherence to evolving standards is not only crucial for guaranteeing product performance and worker safety, but is increasingly demanded by regulators and clients alike. This article guides readers through November 2025’s new releases in coating technologies, welding protocols, tool safety, abrasive materials, and automotive finishing, outlining what’s new, what’s changed, and what to do next. Whether you’re an engineer, quality manager, or procurement specialist, these insights are vital for aligning operations to current best practices and regulatory benchmarks.

What you’ll discover:

• Enhanced procedural and safety requirements across diverse manufacturing domains
• The latest industry expectations for product performance, quality assurance, and compliance
• Key benefits, challenges, and recommended steps for implementation

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 15614-9:2025 - Underwater Hyperbaric Wet Welding Procedures

Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials – Welding procedure test – Part 9: Underwater hyperbaric wet welding (ISO 15614-9:2025)

This international standard defines how preliminary welding procedure specifications (pWPS) for metallic materials, specifically steels in groups 1, 2, 3, and 8 under ISO 15608, are qualified when applied in hyperbaric (pressurized underwater) wet environments. It encompasses production and repair welding using manual metal arc welding (111) and self-shielded tubular-cored arc welding (114) in compliance with ISO 4063:2023. Importantly, the principles can extend to additional steel groups and welding processes.

Key requirements:

• Procedure qualification is verified by robust testing covering designated parent materials, positions, and depths, with all welded joints undergoing destructive and non-destructive evaluation.
• The standard offers three weld quality levels: A, B, and Z, with clear criteria for mechanical properties and acceptance conditions established during qualification.
• Documentation includes detailed Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR) and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).

Who needs to comply:

• Offshore and marine contractors
• Infrastructure repair teams
• Heavy industry maintenance providers handling steel welding under water

Practical implications:

• Ensures weld integrity and safety in hyperbaric environments
• Enables manufacturers to demonstrate compliance for demanding applications, reducing liability and operational risk

Notable changes:

• Alignment with ISO 4063:2023 process codes and expanded coverage for weld quality criteria

Key highlights:

• Targeted for underwater wet welding of key steel groups
• Three defined weld quality levels (A, B, Z)
• Full qualification process for preliminary welding procedures

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 15614-9:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 11126-10:2025 - Non-Metallic Blast-Cleaning Abrasives: Almandite Garnet

Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products – Specifications for non-metallic blast-cleaning abrasives – Part 10: Almandite garnet

ISO 11126-10:2025 sets forth the requirements for almandite garnet abrasives used in surface preparation prior to painting or coating steel substrates. It specifies the supply condition, with focus on particle sizes, apparent density, Mohs hardness, moisture content, aqueous extract conductivity, and water-soluble chloride levels. The abrasive must meet these criteria in its new (pre-use) state.

Key requirements:

• Particle size ranges and density values are tightly controlled for consistent blasting performance
• Strict limits on moisture and chlorides to minimize contamination risk
• Mohs hardness ensures optimal cleaning without excessive substrate wear

Who needs to comply:

• Surface preparation professionals
• Industrial painting contractors
• Suppliers of blast-cleaning consumables

Practical implications:

• Ensures predictable abrasive behavior and contaminant control for coating performance
• Supports traceability and quality assurance in surface finishing

Notable changes:

• New grades added; extended apparent density ranges for greater application flexibility

Key highlights:

• Applies specifically to almandite garnet abrasives for steelwork
• Detailed requirements for sizing, hardness, and contaminants
• Supports safe, efficient surface preparation for coatings

Access the full standard:View ISO 11126-10:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 2081:2025 - Electroplated Zinc Coatings with Chromium (VI) Treatment

Metallic and other inorganic coatings – Electroplated coatings on iron and steel using zinc treated with solutions containing chromium (VI)

This globally respected specification governs electroplated zinc coatings with supplementary hexavalent chromium treatments specifically for iron and steel parts. It covers not only performance conditions but also provides clear instruction for necessary information flow between the purchaser and the electroplating provider. The standard leaves out certain product forms (non-fabricated sheet, strip, wire, and close-coiled springs) and focuses on protecting and decorating finished goods.

Key requirements:

• Prescribes mandatory coatings thickness and adhesion tests
• Details required heat treatments (pre- and post-electroplating) for stress or hydrogen embrittlement relief
• Outlines sampling, acceptance levels, and accelerated corrosion testing (e.g., salt spray)

Who needs to comply:

• Fastener and hardware manufacturers in automotive, construction, white goods, and general engineering
• Electroplating and coating service providers

Practical implications:

• Reduces corrosion risk and prolongs component lifespan
• Ensures regulatory compliance for restricted substances (chromium VI)
• Facilitates international trade with harmonized performance and documentation requirements

Notable changes:

• Inclusion of Table 2, clearer references for Cr(VI) passivation, and improved sampling criteria to match industry best practices

Key highlights:

• Robust specification for zinc and hexavalent chromium coatings
• Critical for protective/decorative iron and steel items
• Fully aligned with up-to-date compliance expectations

Access the full standard:View ISO 2081:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 62841-2-16:2025 - Safety for Hand-Held Fastener Driving Tools

Electric motor-operated hand-held tools, transportable tools and lawn and garden machinery – Safety – Part 2-16: Particular requirements for hand-held fastener driving tools

Updated in November 2025, this standard sets forth comprehensive safety requirements for electrically-powered hand-held fastener driving tools, including those used for rapid fixing in construction, manufacturing, or DIY settings. It must be applied together with the general safety requirements found in EN IEC 62841-1:2015.

Key requirements:

• Design and construction mandates to prevent access to live parts
• Mechanical hazard safeguards, including protection against unintended actuation and overload
• Ergonomics, safety instructions, marking, and testing for resistance to heat, fire, moisture, and mechanical stresses
• Notably, the standard excludes compressed air or gas-driven tools and those powered by combustible gases

Who needs to comply:

• Manufacturers and importers of electric hand-held fastener driving tools
• Safety managers at tool rental and construction companies
• Retailers supplying professional-grade power tools

Practical implications:

• Improved worker and end-user safety
• Assists with CE marking and regulatory conformity within the EEA
• Guides product development for compliance and market access

Notable changes:

• Replaces EN 60745-2-16:2010; brings requirements up to contemporary expectations for electric tool safety

Key highlights:

• Addresses safety across a wide range of fastener driving tools
• Integrates with existing general safety standard EN IEC 62841-1
• Reflects the latest best practice for operator protection

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 62841-2-16:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 12994:2025 - Electrodeposited Nickel/Chromium Coatings for Automobile Plastics

Electrodeposited nickel plus chromium coatings for automobile plastic parts – Specification and test requirements

Serving the automotive industry, ISO 12994:2025 introduces unified international test and performance requirements for nickel-chromium electroplated coatings applied to plastic interior and exterior car parts. The updated standard applies exclusively to automotive plastics, not aerospace or electronics.

Key requirements:

• Minimum coating thickness stipulations for copper, nickel, and chromium layers
• Appearance assessment criteria (e.g., uniformity, absence of defects, chromatic aberration limits)
• Testing for adhesion (sawing and grinding), stress, temperature resistance, and accelerated corrosion
• Specification of multilayer system potential differences (STEP test application)

Who needs to comply:

• Automotive manufacturers and Tier 1/2 suppliers
• Electroplating service providers for vehicle plastics
• Quality control and procurement teams in automotive production

Practical implications:

• Ensures higher durability and corrosion resistance of exposed plastic trim
• Supports consistent quality for globally traded automotive parts
• Minimizes warranty claims arising from finish failures

Notable changes:

• First edition – closes a long-standing gap for global specification of this advanced finish on automotive plastics

Key highlights:

• Dedicated to electroplated finishes for plastic automotive parts
• Robust appearance, thickness, and performance verification
• Details adhesion and climate testing for real-world durability

Access the full standard:View ISO 12994:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

How these standards affect operations:

• Organizations must revisit their procedures for welding, coating, abrasive selection, and tool procurement to align with new and revised requirements.
• Non-compliance may result in failed inspections, legal penalties, or market access limitations—particularly given global adoption of these specifications.
• Proactive implementation enhances safety, product durability, market acceptance, and reduces long-term total cost of ownership.

Compliance considerations:

• Update internal specifications, test methods, and procurement documents
• Train welders, operators, and quality staff on revised procedures
• Close collaboration with supply chain partners and third-party certification bodies

Benefits of adoption:

• Reduced risk of defects, failures, and warranty returns
• Enhanced customer confidence and competitive advantage
• Streamlined international trade and supply chain assurance

Risks of non-compliance:

• Costly recalls or remediation for defective coatings or unsafe equipment
• Legal consequences from workplace accidents or regulatory non-conformance
• Loss of contracts or market access due to lack of standard certification

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements:

• Emphasis on robust test protocols (destructive and non-destructive)
• Standardization of coating thickness, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance
• Defined safety margins for electrical, mechanical, and ergonomic deployment of powered tools

Best practices for implementation:

1. Audit existing operations and product lines for gap analysis
2. Engage with partners to synchronize transitioning to new standards
3. Document procedural updates and maintain thorough WPQR, WPS, and compliance records
4. Conduct regular training and supplier briefings on revised requirements

Testing and certification:

• Utilize recognized test labs for destructive testing (tensile, bend, impact, macro/microscopy)
• Ensure only certified abrasives and coatings are sourced for critical path applications
• Prepare for third-party audits and potential customer assessments

Conclusion / Next Steps

Key takeaways:

• November 2025’s new and revised standards in manufacturing engineering address longstanding operational risks and close specification gaps, especially in welding, finishing, tool safety, and automotive plastics.
• Organizations need to review, update, and requalify relevant procedures and train specialists in new requirements.
• Early adoption will not only ensure compliance but also improve quality, safety, and global market access.

Recommendations:

• Download and study each standard via iTeh Standards to guide internal updates
• Schedule cross-departmental meetings for awareness and action planning
• Track further updates in upcoming parts for comprehensive coverage

Explore hundreds of up-to-date manufacturing standards, technical guidance, and authoritative resources at iTeh Standards