AWS D1.6 welder qualification 1

[ATSE]

Here's a question for the D1.6 stainless welding code experts.

Joe Welder’s FCAW-G (using A5.22 filler) performance qualification shows:
- Base material = 304L [base metal group A]
- Filler = 308LT1-4 [filler metal group B with C25 gas]
If I understand Table 5.3, Table 6.5, and Table 6.11, then he can also weld on any base metal group A or B, using any matching filler metal, with either 25% C02 or 100% C02.
That is, base metal group, filler metal group, and shielding gas (-1 to -4) are not essential performance variables.

So per D1.6, Joe's qualification permits him to weld 316 plate [base metal group B] with 316LT1-1 with 100% CO2 per D1.6 and B2.1.
Is that correct?

 

[kingnero]

I'm probably barking up the trees here but also under EN/ISO, shielding gas is not an essential variable for a welder's performance qualification.
I explain to my clients (but I have no idea if that's really a valid reason), that shielding gas is mentioned and has a range under the PQR and therefore the welder should always have at his disposal, the correct WPSses (that mention all of these details).

 

[DekDee]

ATSE,
There are more experienced people on here with regards to AWS D1.6 so hopefully they will respond.
IMHO - you are correct.
The important thing to remember is a Welder Performance Qualification is a test of the welders ability to produce a defect free weld based on a qualified WPS (as kingnero noted).
The requirement to produce a "sound" weld (metallurgically / mechanically) is dealt with via the PQR/WPS.
Hence the difference in essential variables.
Hope that helps,
Cheers,
Shane

 

[EdStainless]

And always look at the WPS, in some cases things such as gas may be flagged as 'additional essential variables'.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[david339933]

Welder Performance Qualification is a test of the welders ability to deposit sound weld metal...ie: a defect free weld.

 

[jrtei]

This is old but I don't think it was answered.
Forget about Table 5.3, it is irrelevant for performance quals. Qualification with any base metal listed in AWS D1.6 or any Group I or Group II material from AWS D1.1, qualifies you to weld any base metal permitted in D1.6 (see 6.13.5). Qualification with an F6 filler (E308LT1-4) qualifies them for all F6 wires in that welding process, which includes E316LT1-1.