Weld Testing & Qualification
Weld testing and welder certification ensure that specified welding procedures lead to strong welds that meet quality standards and code requirements. This qualification aims to demonstrate and document that the joining methods can fulfill all design requirements of the finished product.
IMR employs AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) in all our U.S. locations and has trained experts available in our labs in Asia. We can provide the required solutions if you need an analysis of your raw materials, such as solder wire, or a complete weld qualification package.
Weld Testing Documentation
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) When a manufacturing process or repair method requires welding, it's common practice to draft a WPS - Welding Procedure Specification. This document provides direction to welders on how to make quality welds to production standards, as well as applicable code requirements.
The WPS details accepted procedures to ensure that repeatable and reliable welding techniques are employed. Since there can be a wide array of base materials and welding types used in production processes, the best practice is to develop a WPS for each combination. This document summarizes all of the welding variables and materials used for many welds.
The WPS defines a set of procedures and applicable materials to be used. To verify the validity of these initial procedures, a series of welds are created, which are then mechanically tested to verify they meet all requirements. The procedures for creating the sample welds, as well as the final testing results, are documented on a Procedure Qualification Record, or PQR. - Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) The PQR is required to quantify the results during the actual welding tests, subsequent inspections, and mechanical testing data. These test methods include:
Tensile
Bend
Impact
Proof Load
Chemical Analysis
Metallography
Nick Break
Hardness - Welder Qualification Testing (WQT) Is designed to assess the skills and proficiency of welders to ensure that they meet specific standards for various welding applications.
Mechanical Testing methods are used most frequently in this process. For example, tensile testing is performed to determine the ultimate strength of the welded joint compared to the base materials being joined. In some instances, this can also reveal internal weld defects and other fusion anomalies.
Bend Testing is used to evaluate the ductility and soundness of the weld joint. This method can exhibit cracks or openings. The maximum lengths are compared to the specifications or code limits.
Impact Testing is the primary method used to determine the toughness of a material, or its resistance to cracking. This testing can be performed at all temperatures as well as the base metal, at the fusion line, heat affected zones (HAZ), and weld.
Once the test results are determined to be acceptable, the PQR is approved, and then serves as the template for development of the WPS. The PQR provides evidence that a WPS can be used to create and acceptable, repeatable weld.
Following the steps of the WPS will help ensure consistent welds with similar mechanical properties. The put the WPS into practice, welders need to be tested to qualify that they can follow the WPS steps, and produce welds to specification. The WPQ provides documentation from a third-party testing resource.
Once a welder earns the WPQ, their employer/customer can be reasonably confident that the welds they produce fall within the guidelines defined in the WPS.
Accredited Weld Qualification
ABS Rules for Welding Part 2
AMS STD 1595
API RP 582
API Std. 1104
ASME Section IX
AWS C1.1
AWS C1.4
AWS C7.3
AWS C7.4
AWS D1.1/D1.1M
AWS D1.2/D1.2M
AWS D1.3
AWS D1.4
AWS D1.5/D1.5M
AWS D1.6
AWS D1.7
AWS D17.1/D17.1M
CAAS SAR Chapter 6.5 Appendix 1
CGA-3
City of Portland Weld Inspections
EN 25817
EN 287
GE Weld Qualification
ISO 5817
ISO 15614-1
ISO 13919-1
ISO 15614-11
NAVSEA S9074-AQ-G1B-010/248
SAE AMS-W-6858A
WABO Welder Qualifications
Weld Methods Analyzed
- Laser Beam Welding (LBW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Friction Welding (FRW)
- Friction Stir Welding (FSW)
- Flash Welding (FW)
- Resistance Spot Welding (RSW)
- Plasma Arc Welding (PAW)
- Electron Beam Welding (EBW)
- Resistance Seam Welding (RSEW)
- Brazing Evaluations
- Stud Welding
Weld Testing Lab FAQ's
How long does a weld test take?
Turnaround times can vary due to lab test volume, but simple certification tests can often be completed in 2 days. More thorough inspections for certifications can take longer.
What materials are tested in a weld test?
Weld tests can analyze welding materials, including solder wire, solder ribbon, and solder flux.
What are the qualifications of a weld test?
There are over 30 qualifications of a weld test including: ABS Rules for Welding Part 2, AMS STD 1595, API RP 582, API Std. 1104, ASME Section IX, AWS C1.1, AWS C1.4, AWS C7.3, AWS C7.4, AWS D1.1/D1.1M, AWS D1.2/D1.2M, AWS D1.3, AWS D1.4, AWS D1.5/D1.5M, AWS D1.6, AWS D1.7, AWS D17.1/D17.1M, CAAS SAR Chapter 6.5 Appendix 1, CGA-3, City of Portland Weld Inspections, EN 25817, EN 287, GE Weld Qualification, ISO 5817, ISO 15614-1, ISO 13919-1, ISO 15614-11, NAVSEA S9074-AQ-G1B-010/248, SAE AMS-W-6858A, WABO Welder Qualifications
What weld testing documents can IMR certify?
Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), Procedure Qualification Record (PQR), Welder Performance Record (WPR) are the documents of weld testing.
