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 following FAQ are related to 322 Prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications for Steel Fabricators. To learn more or to get your copy simply click here Is this a physical book? No. The procedures are provided as digital files (PDF) and are available for immediate download. The user has the option to print the files […]
Heat input is important because it has an effect on cooling rates which in turn can significantly affect the mechanical properties of the weld and heat affected zone. It also plays a role in susceptibility to distortion. High heat input can be beneficial in some cases and detrimental in others. A common misconception is that […]
A prequalified welding procedures specification is a welding procedure that is exempt from the qualification tests required by a code or standard. Not all codes provide the user with the advantage of using prequalified welding procedures. Some that do are: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code – Sheet […]
The qualification of welding procedures is necessary to ensure that the selected welding parameters can produce sound welds. Qualification typically involves a combination of destructive and nondestructive testing. When a particular code, such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX is used, the code will dictate the type and numbers of tests necessary in order […]
As discussed in our previous article, and many times in the last 50 or so, preheat is necessary in steel welding to control the cooling rate. More specifically, preheat is used to slow the cooling rate down in order to prevent excessive hardness in the heat affected zone (HAZ) which can lead to cracking. Before […]
The use of prequalified welding procedures has many advantages as well as many disadvantages. One danger of using prequalified welding procedures is that AWS D1.1 allows for quite a bit of freedom in weld sizes. If you look at Table 5.1 –Prequalified WPS Requirements of AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2020 Structural Welding Code (Steel) you’ll see that in […]
The AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code (Steel) welder qualification plate tests consists of a groove weld with a 45-degree included angle. The plates are prepared to a knife’s edge and a ¼ in [6 mm] backing strip is used. The test for unlimited thickness will use plates that are 1 in [25 mm] thick. Anything […]
Our previous article discussed the importance of having a specification for weld quality. In this article we’re talking about the importance of one of its basic components: Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs). Many fabricators don’t have WPSs. They rely in the experience of their welders to select the right parameters. As much as we want every […]
Corten, or COR-TEN, is the trademark name for weathering steels manufactured by U.S. Steel Corporation. Weathering steels are a family of low carbon steel alloys that were specifically developed to provide higher strength and more importantly eliminate the need to paint to protect against the elements (rain, snow, humidity, sun, salt, etc.). A242 and A588 […]
