ASME IX - Production Assembly Mockup - Fillet Weld Qualification

[beh188]

When would be the most appropriate time to use a production assembly mockup for a procedure qualification for a fillet weld to ASME IX welding?

It seems that if you follow the standard test coupon requirements you get a "golden ticket" for all fillet sizes and base metal thicknesses. If you qualify using a production assembly mockup you only qualify essentially what you test.

What would the reasoning be to use a production assembly mockup? Is it for unusual production shapes, or if you just don't have the proper pieces for the special test coupons?

 

[stanweld]

I have only seen its use by manufacturers for fabricating large multiples of the same part.

 

[jrupert24]

I have qualified some production tooling that the shop wanted made out of sockets and materials that was difficult or impossible to get in plate or ideal shapes for a traditional procedure. Basically I had them weld it up and followed the instructions for qualifying a mock up. Because of liability issues, anything (product or tooling)in our shop that is welded has to be qualified per ASME section IX. Hope this helps.