Welder Qualification
Welder Qualification
(OP)
If a welder is qualified to:
Procedure 1
SMAW
P1 to P1
E6010 root, E7018 fill and cap
Procedure 2
GTAW
P8 to P8
ER316L filler
Would that automatically qualify him for
Procedure 3
GTAW/SMAW
P1 to P1
ER70S root, E7018 fill and cap
Procedure 1
SMAW
P1 to P1
E6010 root, E7018 fill and cap
Procedure 2
GTAW
P8 to P8
ER316L filler
Would that automatically qualify him for
Procedure 3
GTAW/SMAW
P1 to P1
ER70S root, E7018 fill and cap





RE: Welder Qualification
RE: Welder Qualification
Procedure 2 qualifies him to weld any P1 thru P11 material using F6 filler with GTAW
Procedure 1 qualifies him to weld any P1 thru P11 material using F4 filler with SMAW
RE: Welder Qualification
Your question was about welder performance qualification, not WPS qualification. In reviewing the above information, was the welder qualified to deposit carbon steel filler metal using the GTAW process? The welder is qualified using GTAW for F-No 6 filler metal only.
RE: Welder Qualification
RE: Welder Qualification
RE: Welder Qualification
SMAW: welder is qualified for F1, F2, F3, and F4 filler metals and P1 through P15F, and P34 and P41 through P49 base metals.
GTAW: welder is qualified for same P numbers and all F6 filler metals.
The question is can the welder weld P1 to P1 with F6 and F4 filler metal when combining the two welding processes.
Root welded with GTAW using F6 - yes welder is qualified
Intermediate layers and cover with SMAW using F4 - yes welder is qualified for F4 with backing.
What we do not know is whether the GTAW was welded with or without backing. If the initial qualifiaction was without backing, the welder can weld both with or without backing in production. If backing was used in the initial GTAW qualification, backing or back gouging is required when CJP groove welds are required.
Best regards - Al
RE: Welder Qualification
Best regards - Al
RE: Welder Qualification
RE: Welder Qualification
RE: Welder Qualification
The code sets the minimum requirements, but most welders will admit there are differences in the way the metal flows when comparing carbon steels, stainless steels, and nickel alloys. The cost of qualifying the welder on each base metal family is inexpensive compared to repairing unacceptable welds.
The welder qualification test is the easiest way to ensure the welder can handle the different base metals and follow the WPS.
There is a saying about welders; "You can always tell a welder, but you can't tell him much!"
An engineer said that to me many years ago while I still under the welding helmet earned my living burning rod. I now understand what he meant.
There is no better time to teach a welder something new or tweak his welding skills than right after he fails a qualification test. Other than that brief moment, all hopes of teaching the old dog a new trick or two is lost.
Best regards - Al
RE: Welder Qualification
I agree. I administer the welding program in my company and I require separate performance qualification for GTAW on carbon and stainless coupons.
RE: Welder Qualification
RE: Welder Qualification