The purpose of welder performance qualifications is to ensure that the welder can deposit sound welds. There are several tests, both destructive and nondestructive, that are used to evaluate a welder’s ability to deposit good welds. Below are four of the most common test applied for these qualifications: Visual Inspection (VT) Visual inspection is […]
Measuring fillet weld legs is meaningless, well… not really. Fillet weld leg sizes are very important, but simply measuring the leg of a fillet weld does not tell us if we actually achieved the desired throat dimension. The strength of a fillet weld is determined by its effective throat. As you can see in the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
