Whenever you hear that a welding procedure needs to be qualified it simply means that its suitability for use in a welded structure needs to be proven by testing. This means that the welding procedure must be capable of producing sound welds. But what are sound welds? Sound welds are welds that will perform in […]
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 […]
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 […]
Controlling weld quality is not always an easy task. Many fabricators struggle to manage the amount of rework, the discrepancies from one batch of product to the next, and the varying levels of productivity and workmanship amongst their welders. This inability to control weld consistency is not surprising. Welding has more than 20 variables that […]
If you own or work at a job shop you may have noticed an increase in the number of customers that require the use of qualified welding procedures to build their products. Some fabricators are even getting this request from long time customers who never required them in the past. So why is this? The […]
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 […]
The most widely used welding code in North America, and perhaps the world, is AWS D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code – Steel. It is specified as the quality standard in hundreds of contract documents every year. Yet, we find that less than half of the fabricators that need to use it have a sound understanding of […]
When it comes to precision welding and fabrication, it only takes one wrong document to cause a major problem. Still, many companies operate by the motto: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Assuming you have incredible attention to detail and a lot of luck, that approach might work for a while. That’s why companies […]
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 […]
