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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
T-1, or ASTM A514 is a high strength steel which is quenched and tempered to provide yield strengths of over 100,000psi (over 690MPa). The name “T-1” is a trademark of Arcelor Mittal and not an ASTM, AISI or part of other organization’s standard numbering system. ASTM A514 is primarily used as a structural steel and […]
The vast majority of fabricators are not typically concerned with heat input. For the most part this is OK. But when you are welding on materials whose microstructure can be significantly affected by welding procedures it is important to know about heat input. The reason why heat input is critical in certain applications is because […]
