Weld Qualification 1

[Ussuri]

As a non-welder, can someone please explain why we need to qualify welders and weld procedures and what is exactly involved in the qualification process.

 

[Heckler]

Just like engineers need to be trained (BS Degree) before they're let loose in industry. Another similarity is engineers testing for the PE....this is a regulated minimum for an engineer to certify a design in certain industries.

http://www.aws.org/

http://www.welding.org/certification.html

 

[metengr]

Yes, very simply put, one needs to demonstrate thru some form of accepted instruction and testing they can successfully deposit a sound (quality) weld.

Can you imagine if there was no testing to demonstrate some level of welder competency? The potential for failures of welded components would be enormous resulting in possible loss of life or harm to equipment.

 

[Ussuri]

Ok, that make sense now. It is a systematic mechanism for testing the completed weld in a situation representative of the final weld prior to actually doing the real thing. And then ensuring the welder is competent to carry it out.

I think the terminology was throwing me off, I was wondering how a procedure got a qualification (night school perhaps)

 

[MintJulep]

When designing a welded joint, there are minimum mechanical strength requirements that must be met.

A weld procedure defines stuff like joint perparation, weld filler metal to be used, voltage or current settings, shield gas, pre-heat, position, number of passes and speed...

Sample joints are then made and destructively tested to demonstrate that a weld produced to that procedure will produce the required joint strength. This qualifies the procedure.

Then, individual welders must demonstrate that they can produce that weld. Welder qualification.

 

[unkamiko]

As an welding inspector the welder qualification process serves to weed out the imposters. Even qualified welders can produce some questionable welds at the least, and total trash at the worst. I wish I could post some pictures of the bad welding I have encountered in my travels.

 

[BillPSU]

unkamiko

I have seen many examples of bad looking welds but the real problems are the good looking welds which are full of porosity. If you ever get a chance X-ray some welds or section welds. You may be surprised at what you will find.