The mandatory introduction of workmanship standards in certain fields of activity has greatly strengthened customer requirements.
They oblige manufacturers to work with a welding quality system (e.g. iso 3834), in which the qualification of operating procedures becomes a crucial element.
What is a welding procedure description (WPS)?
With the mandatory introduction of these execution standards, each type of weld gives rise to a welding procedure description (WPS), which in turn refers to a prior welding procedure qualification (PQR). The WPS’s main aim, therefore, is to ensure a certain level of quality. WPSs contain all the information a welder needs to manage a welding task. They form the basis of all quality welds. The technical content of the WPS is determined in great detail by standards such as NF EN ISO 15609-1 and ASME section IX. Nevertheless, procedures vary from company to company and project to project.
What information is included in a welding procedure specification?
In a Welding Procedure Specification, we find the information needed for pre-welding preparation, welder settings, and information on the materials used (filler metal and welded materials).
When should a welding procedure specification (WPS) be drawn up?
The WPS is drawn up after a trial weld. It is also possible to take an existing welding procedure specification and adapt it.
Who is involved in drafting a WPS?
The welding supervisor, the qualified welder, the controller and the inspector are the people concerned by WPS.
Is a welding procedure qualification mandatory?
The WPS is mandatory if a company wishes to validate a welding procedure qualification (PQR) and to qualify a welder. The welder must be able to interpret a Welding Procedure Specification and follow the instructions to make the correct weld(s).
What can Welding Cloud software do for WPS?
Welding Cloud software is the ideal solution for WPS production. It enables :
- Easily process and manage existing data and information required from a WPS, thanks to its clarity and the volume of detailed information it can handle,
- Use a logical process to create a relevant welding procedure description in a very short time,
- An extensive database of base materials, filler materials, gases, electrodes and sketches,
- Simplify work considerably and save precious time compared with manual creation,
- Improve efficiency in the management of welding procedures.
In short, SIRFULL’s Welding Cloud software makes it quick, easy and reliable to create and track Welding Procedure Specification.
