WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) & Welder Qualification

Since the quality of a finished weld is not easily verifiable, welding is considered as a ‘special’ process in quality related standards and one that requires strict process control. In practice this is achieved by the use of appropriate and suitably ‘qualified’ WPS (Welding Procedure Specifications). Hence, it is widely accepted that WPSs are the cornerstone to achieving success in any welding operation and, as such, their importance cannot be overstated.

As is required under EN1090, QCServices ensures that suitable WPSs are implemented for the fabrication of components falling under Execution Class 2 and above.

ISO 15609 provides guidelines on the required technical content of a WPS, while ISO 15614 specifies the tests required to qualify a WPS and the subsequent range of qualification. The complexity and range of components being manufactured will normally determine the number of WPSs required.

As part of QCServices WPS Preparation Service, our certified welding inspection team will provide the following services:

• Determine the range and quantity of WPSs required for your manufacturing process
• On-site visits to oversee the welding of test-pieces and qualify your WPSs
• Qualify welders to each WPS
• Access to a International Welding Engineer (IWE) for EXC 3 & EXC 4 projects

Welding Procedure Specification

Our WPS preparation team will cover what is involved in producing a WPS such as :

• Planning the tasks
• Collecting the data
• Writing a procedure for the use of a trial
• Making test welds
• Evaluating the results
• Approving the procedure
• Preparing the documentation

The range of qualification for production welding is based on the limits that the EN ISO standard specifies for essential variables. Some typical essential variables that must be considered when documenting a WPS include:

• Welding process used
• Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
• Material Type
• Electrode Type, Filler Wire Type (classification)
• Material Thickness
• Polarity (AC, DC+ve, DC-ve)
• Pre-Heat Temperature
• Heat Input
• Welding Position

Welder Qualification Tests (WQT)

Following our WPS implementation and after the content of the WPS has been approved, the next stage is to approve the welders to the approved WPS. This is known as a Welders Qualification Test (WQT). The objective of a WQT is to give maximum confidence that the welder meets the quality requirements of the approved WPS. The test weld should be carried out on the same material and same conditions that are used for the production welds.

The Welder Qualification shall remain valid for 2 years provided there is certified confirmation of welding to the approved WPS  during that time period. A Welders Qualification Certificate automatically expires if the welder has not used the welding process for 6 months or longer.

To organise the implementation of your WPS contact us below or see our latest news section on our website!