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 […]
The qualification of welders and welding procedures often involves macro-examination of welds. Performing macro-etches is a relatively simple procedure, but strict guidelines must be followed to ensure safety. Most chemicals used in etching solutions are hazardous and must be handled accordingly. Any person etching with these chemicals must familiarize him or herself with the corresponding […]
It is very common to weld stainless steel to mild steel. But, when it comes to qualifying a welding procedure it can be somewhat confusing. Do you follow AWS D1.1 (Steel) or do you following AWS D1.6 (Stainless Steel)? Or is there another code or standard you should use? The answer to this question is […]
Macro etch tests are commonly done as part of qualification tests for welders and welding procedures. This test is relatively easy to do and does not require complex or expensive equipment. However, very few fabricators ever perform this test. A macro etch test can serve as verification that a change on how something is welded […]
When qualifying a welding procedure specification (WPS) for fillet welds per Clause 4 of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code you must only perform a single test. You must do macroetches in three locations as shown below. It is assumed that if we can show root fusion at these three locations that our welding procedure is […]
