3 Methods To Keep Track of WPSs, PQRs & WPQRs
Keeping track of welding procedure specifications (WPSs), procedure qualification records (PQRs) and performance qualification records (WPQRs) can become a tedious task. A simple WPS and PQR may not seem like much, but a medium to large contract may require you to qualify 5-10 welding procedures procedures along with 15-20 welders. If this is the case […]
11 Reasons Why Welders Don’t Follow Welding Procedures
The purpose of having welding procedures specifications (WPS) is to ensure quality. This is accomplished by giving the welder a detailed set of instruction on how to deposit weld metal for a specific joint. Consistent quality can be achieved, but there is one caveat. The welding procedures must be well written. A poorly written welding […]
What is a Standard Welding Procedure Specification
If you have worked with the American Welding Society codes, you have probably heard about Standard Welding Procedures Specifications (SWPSs). A SWPS is define by AWS as a welding procedure specification qualified according to the requirements of AWS B2.1/B2.1M, approved by AWS, and made available for production welding by companies or individuals other than those […]
How To Qualify Welders
One of the most common requests for help that we get pertains to the qualification of welders. Our customers win a contract and later find out they need to qualify their welders. Often, they realize this right before production is to begin and scramble to get their qualifications done. Even worse, they may also need […]
Characteristics of Aluminum That Affect Weldability
If you have welded aluminum you know that it behaves considerably different than steel. Other than the strength difference and general appearance, there are four physical characteristics of aluminum that make it weld completely different than steel. These are: High thermal conductivity High solidification shrinkage High hydrogen solubility Oxide coating When welding aluminum it is […]
Is It Time To Retire Your Old Welding Machines?
Thousands of manufacturing shops are full of old welding equipment. We all want to be good stewards of our money or our company’s money, and we want to make things last as long as possible. We sometimes even take pride on the fact that we have had a specific welding machine for 20-25 years. Most […]
5 Types of Tests for Welder Performance Qualification
Codes detail the requirements for performance qualifications of welders, welding operators and tack welders. Many codes do not demand that a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or a welding engineer conduct the necessary testing. Unless your customer specifically asks that a CWI or third-party do this, you can simply follow the code yourself to perform all […]
Dangers of Using Prequalified Welding Procedures
Using prequalified welding procedures is a great tool provided by AWS D1.1 which can save time and money. To learn about these advantages read “Benefits of Using Prequalified Welding Procedures.” However, you must be careful and have a sound understanding of Clause 3 of the Structural Welding Code for Steel – AWS D1.1. Some of […]
Benefits of Using Prequalified Welding Procedures
Prequalified welding procedures are a great tool available to those who need qualified procedures in conformance with AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel. However, there are strict requirements for the use of a prequalified welding procedures. It is not as easy as picking a qualified joint and using filler metal manufacturer’s recommended procedures. There […]
Proper Storage of Welding Consumables
Proper storage of both opened and unopened packages of welding consumables is crucial. It should avoid quality issues such as porosity, excessive slag fluidity, rough weld surface, difficult slag removal and more importantly, elevated levels of diffusible hydrogen which can lead to cracking. Adequate storage, handling and re-conditioning of electrodes vary according to type. The […]