Welding procedures essential for weld quality
What are welding procedures?
Welding procedures are essential in the welding world. They are documents that serve to outline the parameters to which a specific weld is to be completed. They are essentially the “recipe” that makes up a successful completed weld. Three documents make up the complete picture of a specific weld: The Welding Procedure Specification, the Procedure Qualification Record, and the Welder Qualification Record.
The welding procedure is the recipe - it shows the proper weld settings and positions used to complete the weld. The procedure qualification record is the document that shows that testing has been done with the parameters outlined in the WPS, and that those tests were successful. Lastly, the welder qualification record shows that a specific individual is qualified to make the welds in question.
Who needs welding procedures?
EVERYONE! But seriously, welding procedures are critical to the quality and repeatability of welds in a shop setting. As a fab or production shop, your reputation is vitally important and your weld quality is a major factor in your reputation. Local code or customer requirements may also require welding procedures. If your shop needs assistance with welding procedures, please reach out to S.J. Smith!