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 […]

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 […]

7 Ways You Are Violating Welding Procedures And Don’t Know It

Good intentions are not enough - Check Everything!

Some welding shops can weld however they want and don’t have to comply to any  standard or code.  On the other hand, some manufacturers have to meet and follow stringent requirements  and follow specific codes such as AWS D1.1, API 1104 or  ASME Section IX.  The development of welding procedures is not an art, at […]

What Changes To A WPS Require Requalification

Normally the posts on our blog are inspired by questions frequently asked by customers.  Unfortunately, the question above is not asked that often, but it should be.  A welding procedure specification (WPS) is a set of instructions that if followed to the letter, insure a sound weld.   A WPS will typically provide ranges rather than […]

Why Welds Crack

A weld failure is never good.  Whether  a weld cracks on a truck’s axle or on the post holding your house’s fence, there are always consequences.  Hopefully the consequences are limited to time and money.  Unfortunately, weld failures can cause injury.   Welds can fail due to design flaws, but the majority of weld failures occur […]

Welding Positions

Even for those of us dealing with welding all day every day it is difficult to remember the welding position nomenclature.  So here is a quick cheat sheet. Fillet Weld Positions Groove Weld Positions Pipe Weld Positions Which do you consider to be the most challenging welding position?    

Welder Certification

One of the most common questions we get on our day to day activities is How can I get may welder(s) certified?  The immediate is response is: Certified on what?  Most manufacturers assume that there is a single certification for which their welders can apply, test and become certified.  Unfortunately this is not the case.  […]