Passing the AWS Structural Welder Qualification Test (vertical up certification on Flux-Cored Arc Welding) can be problematic for some, but insuring the right procedures and techniques are used should make things a lot easier. The good thing about this qualification is that if passed it certifies the welder no just in the 3G position, but […]
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 […]
Some repairs, whether it is repairing a failed weldment or repairing a crack in a casting, may easily be done by simply grinding out the crack and applying more weld. Other repairs, however; are more complicated. Or at least they should be. Just last week a customer contacted us asking for help in developing a […]
The use of welding procedures specifications (WPS) is the foundation of a good welding quality control management system. It has a huge impact on quality as well as productivity. Despite this, many fabricators are still running their facilities without WPSs. And many who are, have significant issues which prevent this powerful document from maintaining quality […]
A Standard Welding Procedure Specification (SWPS) is a welding procedure that must meet the rules for qualification of AWS B2.1 – Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, and be approved by the AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification. All SWPSs have supporting Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs) which comply with the rules set forth […]
Developing a welding procedure does not have to be complicated. But when we are dealing with demand critical welds or with hard-to-weld metals we need to be careful. Simply setting our welding machine to get an arc we like is not enough if we are dealing with materials for which we need to limit heat […]
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 that welder qualifications are only good for six months. This is not accurate. Most codes state that welder qualifications may lapse if the welder is not engaged in a given process for which he or she is qualified for a period exceeding six months. This means that as long as the […]
Keeping track of welding procedure specifications (WPSs), procedure qualification records (PQRs) and performance qualification records (WPQRs) can become a tedious task. A simple WPS and PQR may not seem like much, but a medium to large contract may require you to qualify 5-10 welding procedures procedures along with 15-20 welders. If this is the case […]
The purpose of having welding procedures specifications (WPS) is to ensure quality. This is accomplished by giving the welder a detailed set of instruction on how to deposit weld metal for a specific joint. Consistent quality can be achieved, but there is one caveat. The welding procedures must be well written. A poorly written welding […]
