WELDING PROCEDURE

APPROVAL
AND
WELDER
QUALIFICATION
World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WELDING PROCEDURE
SPECIFICATION
PURPOSE OF A WPS
TO ACHIEVE SPECIFIC PROPERTIES
mechanical strength, corrosion resistance,
composition
TO ENSURE FREEDOM FROM DEFECTS
TO ENFORCE QC PROCEDURES
TO STANDARDISE ON METHODS AND COSTS
TO CONTROL PRODUCTION SCHEDULES
TO FORM A RECORD
APPLICATION STANDARD OR CONTRACT REQUIREMENT
World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

DIFFERENT PHASES OF WPS

QUALIFICATION.
ACTIVITY
INVOLVED.

RESULT.

PARTY

Development of
pWPS
Manufacturer
procedure
Qualification by
WPQR including range
Manufacturer and if
any method
of validity
based on the
applicable examiner/
relevant standard of

examining body
Finalisation of
WPS based on this
qualification
Manufacturer
the
procedure
WPQR
Release for
Copy of WPS or work
Manufacturer production
instruction

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WELDING PROCEDURE
SPECIFICATION. (WPS).
1
Welding
Procedure
Specification
(WPS).
EN ISO 15607 /
I
ASME IX Article
II

Company produced
document to ensure
repeatability of a
specific application.
Should include, for
example material type,
material thickness,
consumable type, joint
geometry, welding
parameters, run
sequence etc.

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WELDING PROCEDURE
QUALIFICATION RECORD .
(WPQR).
2
Welding Procedure
Qualification
Record (WPQR).
EN ISO 15614 /

Relates to design &

strength of the
welded joint.
Consists of a minimum
of three documents;
Range of Approval

Procedure
Qualification Record
(PQR)
ASME IX Article II

Details of Weld Test

Test Results

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WPQR
The Welding Inspector is required
to witness all aspects of testing.
The Welding Inspector will be
required to verify that all tests
have been performed in
accordance with the relevant
standard.
The Welding Inspector will be
required to verify that all test
results have met the
requirements of the relevant
standard.
Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd
World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

WELDER APPROVAL TEST CERTIFICATE.

(WATC).
3
Welding Approval
Test Certificate
(WATC).
BS EN 287 - 1
Welder
Qualification Test
(WQT)
ASME IX Article III

Relates to degree
of difficulty in
terms of welding
process/consumabl
e and position.

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL VARIABLE:
A variable,which if changed, will influence the
mechanical and/or metallurgical properties of
the welded joint.

ADDITIONAL VARIABLE
(NON-ESSENTIAL VARIABLE):
A variable,which if changed,will not influence
the mechanical and/or metallurgical properties
of the welded joint.

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION

SUPPLEMENTAL ESSENTIAL VARIABLE:
A change in welding condition which will affect
the impact properties of the weld.( ASME)

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

DIFFERENT PHASES OF WPS

QUALIFICATION.
MANUFACTURER
RESPONSIBLE
FOR;
Organising qualification
tests
Compilation of PQR
records
Ensuring WPSs are
approved for the
welding work to be
carried out

EXAMINER / TEST
BODY RESPONSIBLE
FOR;
Witnessing testing
Verifying PQR has been
tested to, and meets the
requirements of the
agreed Codes and
Standards

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WPS / WPQR / WATC

SUMMARY:
A welding procedure qualification test proves
the compatibility of the base material and
consumable as a welded joint.
A welder qualification test proves the welders
ability to weld in accordance with the
approved procedure.

World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd

WELDING PROCEDURE
SPECIFCATION.

QUESTIONS
?
World Centre for Materials Joining Technology

Copyright 2006, TWI Ltd