Welder Performance Qualification
Welder Performance Qualification
(OP)
The company I work for uses Section IX to qualify welders. We currently X-ray the welded coupons to ensure that the welder can make an acceptable weld. Due to the recent high failure rate and high cost of having the coupons x-rayed we would like to start using guided bend tests to ensure the welders are able to make satisfactory welds.
I would like to know if Section IX requires a CWI to evaluate the Guided Bend Test specimens, and subsequently accept or reject the welder. If so can you point me to the applicable paragraph.
Thanks
I would like to know if Section IX requires a CWI to evaluate the Guided Bend Test specimens, and subsequently accept or reject the welder. If so can you point me to the applicable paragraph.
Thanks





RE: Welder Performance Qualification
No. The evaluation of the guided bend test results can be performed by an independent competent mechanical test lab. The lab results and WPQ record are certified by the organization that employs the welder.
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
My company would like to do the guided bend testing in house. We have the capability to prepare the specimens and perform the bends. We werent sure if a CWI was required to evaluate the test and make an accept/reject decision.
Appreciate all the help.
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
As your OP has been answered could you come back with a little more information that might help you resolve the problem. The guided bend test might not be the answer if the welds are bad, bad.
What is your failure rate by RT ?
What is the primary defects causing the weld to fail RT?
What is the experience level of the welders that tested and failed?
Can you give details of your actual test, like position, material, size, and electrode?
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
Its my opinion that RT has been the least cost when compared to bend in house provided I have a few coupons to send off.
The advantage of testing in-house is the reduced time frame from test to accept or reject.
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. It is understood that many welder applicants do not posses the skills required to pass the test. The qualification test is your opportunity not to hire an incompetent welder. If the welder cannot make satisfactory production welds, your welding costs will skyrocket with required repairs.
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
Most we don't even spend the time to bend they look so bad.
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
My favorite screening method is to watch how he/she handles their hood and electrode when starting. If they lock their hood in position with a quick head movement and the arc strikes simultaneously one stands a good change of completing a satisfactory test.
I kinda prescreened any one testing by watching for tells from the applicant.
I haven't ever run this electrode before or it's been a long time since I welded with this electrode. What size electrode do I "have to use"? Can I only test for a particularly position etc.
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
When I test with commonarc I read the instructions, weld it up, and let the inspectors sort it out.
On the money spent, I have driven 600 miles to have some inspector tell me that 1/32" internal concavity was not acceptable and that he was going "by the code". Or that only a stringer bead cap was allowed or only a weave etc.. Often times the cost of testing welders is run up by an inspector lost as a goose. Yet he HAS a job.
When I test welders and they ask me questions regarding beads, fitup etc, If t here are no project specific requirements, I tell them fit it and weld it like you like it. It has to be uphill (usually), meet the code which I explain when asked, and be done like it was done by someone who does it for a living.
The entire testing/retesting program is a big cost to both industry and the welders that have to do it. Did my Dr. have to show his skills if he didn't do any surgery for 6 mos ? I don't know but I know I don't make near the same $ for my dexterity !
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
I know in the mid 90's when we were a an Exxon,Baton Rouge, turnaround planning meeting and the subject was brought up several times. It hadn't been resolved at that time.
RE: Welder Performance Qualification
There were plenty of mad ironworkers. The tube welders were used to it.
The Boilermakers Commonarc program is nice in the fact that I can take one test and certify with however many contractors there are to witness the test. Then each contractor updates the continuity through the commonarc program which keeps me current with all the other contractors. Its kinda nice compared to all of the tests I had to take at the jobsite . I have left one companies paper mill working for a specific contractor, then went to another mill within 30 days that belonged to that same company and tested again even though I was still working for the SAME contractor. Thats what "The Mill Required".
Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi
http://www.weldingdata.com