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Writing Prequalified WPS

Writing Prequalified WPS

Writing Prequalified WPS

(OP)
I've gone over D1.1 a few times, talked with a CWI friend, and talked with one of the members of the AWS D1 committee who used to be my instructor, in regards to this question and I've gotten different responses from both parties and nothing that I can find is concrete in the standard to support either stance so hopefully someone here can shed some light on this.

After reading Section 3 and the other small clauses as they pertain to WPSs, I can find nothing stating any minimum credentials for writing a WPS that is prequalified. That is to say, as I'm reading it right now, Joe Schmoe can write a WPS for a prequalified joint so long as the WPS variables are within those outlined in the tables. Once you go outside of that, a PRQ and testing are required at which point a CWI (or higher) would have to get involved.

The CWI tells me that he believes a CWI has to write the WPS even for prequal'd. The D1 committee member who helped write the standard says I'd be fine to write it "as long as you don't cross over to needing a PRQ, then you'd need a CWI." which jives with my interpretation.

The closest thing I can find, which is what the CWI is citing to support his argument, is in B5.1 (Specification for Qualification of Welding Inspectors) under Table 1 - Procedure Qualification it says '(7) Develop Welding Procedures' and only has a Senior Welding Inspector marked which he interprets to mean only a SWI can write WPSs which I said can't possibly be the case given that almost every CWI writes WPSs.

So, is there any specific language in regards to D1.1 (or D1.5, as I deal with that standard as well) that says WPSs must be written from the ground up by CWIs or their equivalents?   

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

The SCWI is expected to have the back ground and experience to write a WPS per B5.1.

The CWI is not expected to write a WPS as part of the qualification requirements per B5.1, but that doesn't mean he can't write a WPS if he has the training and experience to do so.

Probably the only person I wouldn't want to see writing a WPS would be the CAWI. That is my opinion, not a code requirement.

There in nothing in the welding codes that require an individual to have any special qualification to write a WPS or a PQR for that matter.

If you think you understand all the requirements, knock yourself out and try it. If your customer has a problem with the WPS when they review it, I'm sure they'll let you know quick enough.  
 

Best regards - Al  

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

(OP)
Thanks, gtaw!

The discussion wasn't about the sensibility or the legal ramification of it, both of which I'd feel much better having a CWI write it, it was just a question whether the codes themselves specifically stated that they were required to write it.

Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

And having been it the position, there is nothing in the Body of Knowledge encompassed in the CWI test that teaches you the "ins and outs" of writing WPS's.  I suffered mightly getting the first one done [but I learned a LOT].

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

"... why does one need to be a CWI? "

In general, or specifically for WPS writing?   

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

I learned more from the Lincoln Procedure Handbook about welding procedures than from anything in AWS.  Would this experience alone make me "qualified" by AWS standards.    

I am just curious why AWS does not require the "qualified" people obtain a CWI.  If one can be "qualified" and perform all the tasks of a CWI, why did I take the test and complete all that continued education.  

I do agree with the comments above and the understanding of the AWS wording.  I am just wondering why anyone would make the effort for to obtain the little card in my wallet.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

CWI cert card = tangible and objective proof that we do actually know quite a bit about welding and weld inspex.  Period.  The guy sitting next to us may know more about welding, but he has to work hard to prove it; resume, education, continuing education, professional references, project list, etc.

Wish the SCWI covered enough on WPS/PQR that an SCWI could claim it as proof of that area of knowlege.



 

RE: Writing Prequalified WPS

That is the difference between the SCWI and the CWI. Review table 1 in B5.1.
 

Best regards - Al  

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