Whenever we think about qualifying welders we typically think about welding codes such as one of the AWS structural welding codes, API 1104 or ASME Section IX. In most cases qualifications are carried out to comply with a customer requirement. But what if you simply want to qualify your welders as part of your own […]
Are you planning on becoming a certified welding inspector (CWI) in the near future? Or do you need one of your employees to get this certification? If so, you have probably heard that the exam is pretty tough. Although the American Welding Society (AWS) does not publish information on passing rates, it is estimated that […]
There is a misconception in our industry that the qualification of welders, and welding procedures for that matter, needs to be done by a certified welding inspector (CWI) or a welding engineer. Or that it has to be done by a third party. Although this may be the case if specified in contract documents, more […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Our last post (Factors Influencing Hydrogen Induced Cracking) went over the factors that contribute to hydrogen-induced cracking. We will now go over how to prevent HIC from happening. If you recall, we mentioned you need all three factors to be present in order to have HIC: These factors are 1. a susceptible microstructure, 2. threshold […]
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 […]
