A welding procedure specification (WPS) outlines specific welding procedures and techniques for safe and durable welds with a given material. The WPS sheet is used to replicate the same results every time, ensuring consumer safety and uniformity of building and production codes. Welders must be tested on their understanding of the specifics of the metals and processes they will be working with. The WPS includes information about the welding processes, metals used, sketches of the weld, and the process of setting up the joint before welding. It does not cover non-destructive testing.
A welding procedure specification (WPS) is an outline of specific welding procedures and techniques that can be used with specific metals and metal alloys. Using the WPS sheet, a properly trained welder can replicate the same results every time. The specification is determined using a test weld which is recorded in the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR). The use of these specifications is required by several major industry organizations.
Welding procedure specification is a product of safety and production standard. It is used to outline which welding procedures can be used to create safe and durable welds with a given material. This scheme ensures consumer safety and uniformity of building and production codes. Prior to employment, welders must be tested on their understanding of the specifics of the metals and processes they will be working with, and this test is recorded in the Welder Qualification Test Record (WQTR).
A variety of information for a particular type of metal and the welding process that can be used with the metal is included in a welding procedure specification. In its most basic form, the spec sheet provides the procedure number and process type of the test weld, followed by the pertinent information needed to duplicate the test result. Other information is also included in the description, such as the thickness and type of metal to be welded, the welding procedures and process types used for test welds, the types of fuel or electric current used in the welding process, the use or lack of preheat, applicable welding codes, and other variables. Where welding is critical to the structure, more detailed specifications such as joint assembly order, required heat treatments and arc energy limits are provided to ensure a solid weld is created.
In addition to basic information about the welding processes and metals used, the welding procedure specification should also include sketches of the weld and the process of setting up the joint before welding. The manufacturing sequence could also be included if it is an integral part of how welding is done. By following all of this information, any competent welder should be able to achieve the same effects as the test welder.
The WPS records welding best practice for a given metal or alloy, but does not cover non-destructive testing. Separate non-destructive testing processes are required. This non-destructive testing procedure is also recorded, but is generally not included in welding procedure specifications.
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