What To Do When Welding Codes Are Not Clear

Or when the code does not provide enough information to make an important decision

If you are a CWI, welding engineer or serve in a capacity that requires you to use and interpret welding codes, you probably have run into instances where the code is not very clear.  Many of the questions we receive from our readers deal with interpreting codes and standards.  Many times it is not about […]

21 Changes to PQR Essential Variables that Require WPS Requalification

​Have you ever seen a welding procedure specification with established amperage ranging from 200 to 550 amps? Or voltage ranging from 21 to 29 volts? Or some other variable with a huge window? This is all too common, but extremely dangerous. Why? Because changes to essential variables beyond that which is reasonable will affect the […]

What is a Qualified Welding Procedure?

A qualified welding procedure is a welding procedure that has been proven to produce sound welds after undergoing extensive testing.  When using structural welding codes, these tests include both destructive and nondestructive tests. Some of these tests are: Visual examination Macroetch Break test Bend test Ultrasonic inspection Radiographic inspection Hardness test Tensile test The reason […]

Why prequalified welding procedures are exempt from testing

Prequalified joints provide values for groove angles and allowed deviations (tolerances). Tolerances allow for wider groove angles but not narrower. To get a narrower angle the root opening must be increased .

One of the advantages of using prequalified welding procedures is that you can save a lot of time and money because they are exempt from testing.  This means you don’t need to perform any destructive or nondestructive testing.  You simply follow the requirements of AWS D1.1 and you can write a prequalified welding procedure and […]

Frequently Asked Questions about Prequalified Welding Procedures

The following FAQ are related to 322 Prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications for Steel Fabricators.   To learn more or to get your copy simply click here   Is this a physical book?  No. The procedures are provided as digital files (PDF) and are available for immediate download.  The user has the option to print the files […]

The Relationship between Heat Input and Weld Size

Heat input is important because it has an effect on cooling rates which in turn can significantly affect the mechanical properties of the weld and heat affected zone. It also plays a role in susceptibility to distortion.  High heat input can be beneficial in some cases and detrimental in others.  A common misconception is that […]

What is a Prequalified Welding Procedure Specification

A prequalified welding procedures specification is a welding procedure that is exempt from the qualification tests required by a code or standard. Not all codes provide the user with the advantage of using prequalified welding procedures. Some that do are:   AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code – Sheet […]

7 Tests to Qualify Welding Procedures

The qualification of welding procedures is necessary to ensure that the selected welding parameters can produce sound welds.  Qualification typically involves a combination of destructive and nondestructive testing.  When a particular code, such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX is used, the code will dictate the type and numbers of tests necessary in order […]

How to Develop a Welding Procedure Specification

Developing, or writing a welding procedure, goes far beyond setting up amps and volts.  It entails the selection of many variables which fall under the 9 required components of welding procedure specifications we discussed last week. Today we look at those 9 components again, but rather than just stating what they contain we explain how […]

9 Required Components of Welding Procedure Specifications

  Regardless what position you hold, if you work in the welding industry you have heard of welding procedures specifications (WPSs).  To some, a welding procedure simply means the selection of a few variables such as amps and volts.  To others, these are the documents that govern all welding done in their facility.   A […]