Experience Based Qualification Welding Code 1

[rman487]

Hello all,
I am trying to understand how I can get a machine shop qualified for welding requirements, so I started with reading ISO 15611 in more detail and was wondering if I could get some feedback in comparison to AWS standards. I see that the code mentions that a machine shop can produce ISO quality welds if they go through an "Existing previous welding experience" procedure, where basically you have to have satisfactory documentation covering your welding tests and have over 5 years experience. My question is, how do you actually go through and get this "blessing" from the ISO per ISO 15611? Is there a test facility you send your information to and they audit your shop? Is there anything that the AWS code provides that is a similar experienced based qualification? Please advise. Thanks

 

[gtaw]

American welding standards require the welder to demonstrate skill and proficiency by welding a test assembly that is subjected to volumetric NDT or mechanical testing. Once he welder has passed the requisite tests the qualifications can be extended if permitted by the specific welding standard.

Best regards - Al

 

[rman487]

gtaw,
thanks so much for your response. I appreciate it. I'll look into that

 

[gtaw]

A clarification is in order; the 2002 Farm Code, otherwise known as the "Other Big Red Book" does recognize "experienced base qualification."

Best regards - Al

 

[weldstan]

AWS has Standard Welding Procedures and "prequalified" welding procedures. Welders can be previously qualified (years earlier) and confirmed current through welder continuity records.

 

[racookpe1978]

But, on a real-world basis, while a welder may have welding for many years, he or she may not have been making high-quality, tested or NDE-checked welds for those many years.

 

[gtaw]

I am not aware of any American welding standards that include a requirement that the welder must work to a code or welding standard or that the weld meets any requirement other than he or she use the process. Welder continuity or the method of maintaining the welder's continuity is left to the employer by nationally recognized standards. In-house quality control and quality assurance systems may establish the means of maintaining welder continuity, but that is a different horse.

Best regards - Al