AWS Welder Performance Qualifier case studies
AWS Welder Performance Qualifier · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Welder Performance Qualifier (WPQ1) is one of four endorsements that the American Welding Society lists under its professional certifications and SCWI endorsements. AWS describes the Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) path as one where candidates complete four required endorsements - WPQ1, WPQ2, WCQA, and NDEC - to earn the SCWI credential, with the standalone SCWI exam retired and qualification now achieved step by step through endorsement achievements. The AWS Welder Performance Qualifier case studies are 5 cases and about 2,263 words.
1Essential Variable Breach in a Short-Circuit GMAW Requalification
A fabrication shop holds a qualified GMAW procedure for 6 mm carbon steel using short-circuit transfer, ER70S-6 1.2 mm wire, 75/25 Ar/CO2 shielding gas at 18 L/min, and a single-pass-per-side butt joint with a 60-degree included bevel. Production needs to move to 8 mm plate on the same joint design.
498 words, about 2 min2Performance Qualification Range After a Six-Month Layoff
A welder qualified six months ago on a 10 mm carbon steel plate in the 3G position using SMAW with E7018 electrodes. The qualification test was a single-V groove with backing.
523 words, about 3 min3Hydrogen Bake-Out Timing Under Production Pressure
A pressure-vessel fabricator is welding 25 mm thick carbon steel with a consumable that can introduce hydrogen. The qualified procedure requires a post-weld hydrogen bake-out at 250 degrees Celsius for four hours, to be started within two hours of completing the weld.
417 words, about 2 min4Ultrasonic Indication Disposition Without a Written Acceptance Criteria
A shop is performing ultrasonic testing on a completed butt weld in 20 mm carbon steel. The examiner records an indication that is 12 mm long and located near the fusion line.
411 words, about 2 min5Coordinating a Welder Requalification After a Failed Visual Inspection Trend
A welding coordinator reviews three months of production data and finds that one welder's joints have failed visual inspection four times, each time for undercut exceeding the allowable limit on the cap. The welder is qualified for the process and position.
414 words, about 2 min