AWS Welder Performance Qualifier flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

WPQ vs PQR

Welder performance qualification tests the welder's skill; procedure qualification record tests the welding procedure. Both are required for code-compliant welding.

Essential variable welder qualification

A variable that, if changed, requires requalification of the welder, such as process, position, or base metal group.

Position qualification rule

A welder qualified in a higher position (e.g., 6G) is qualified for lower positions; a lower position qualification does not cover higher positions.

Continuity of qualification

A welder must use a qualified process within a specified period (often 3 to 6 months) to maintain qualification; otherwise requalification is required.

Welder identification stamp

A unique mark applied by the welder to identify their work, enabling traceability to the qualification record and weld map.

Retest after failure

A welder who fails a qualification test may retest after additional training or a defined waiting period, as specified by the code.

Qualification test coupon

A test piece welded by the welder under controlled conditions, then inspected and tested to evaluate weld soundness and skill.

Welder qualification record

A document recording the welder's name, test date, process, position, base metal, filler metal, test results, and qualified range.

WPS and PQR relationship

A WPS must be supported by a PQR that documents the essential variables and test results used to qualify the procedure.

Essential variable procedure qualification

A variable that, if changed, requires requalification of the procedure, such as base metal thickness range or preheat temperature.

Nonessential variable

A variable that may be changed without requalification, such as travel speed or electrode size, provided the WPS is revised.

PQR test specimens

Specimens such as tensile, bend, and impact test pieces cut from the qualification coupon to verify mechanical properties.

Qualified thickness range

The range of base metal thicknesses a procedure is qualified for, often expressed as a multiple of the test coupon thickness (e.g., 1.5T to 2T).

Procedure qualification welder

A welder who is already qualified and who welds the test coupon used to qualify the procedure.

WPS availability

The WPS must be available at the work site and followed exactly; deviations require a revised WPS and possibly requalification.

PQR certification

The PQR must be certified by the manufacturer or contractor and retained as a quality record for the required retention period.

Welding coordinator role

The person responsible for planning, executing, and documenting welding activities to ensure compliance with specifications and codes.

Preheat monitoring

Preheat and interpass temperatures must be measured and recorded per the WPS using thermocouples or temperature-indicating crayons.

Consumable storage

Electrodes and filler metals must be stored, handled, and baked per manufacturer recommendations; exposure limits for low-hydrogen electrodes must be enforced.

Nonconformance disposition

Nonconformities must be documented, dispositioned, and corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence.

Record retention

Welding records such as WPS, PQR, WQR, and inspection reports must be retained for the period specified by the contract or code.

Quality assurance plan

A plan that defines inspection and testing activities, document control, and traceability to ensure welding quality.

Audit and surveillance

Periodic checks that verify welding activities conform to the quality plan and applicable standards.

Welding coordination documentation

Records that demonstrate welding activities were planned, executed, and verified in accordance with specifications.

NDE methods

Visual, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and radiographic testing; selection depends on material and defect type.

NDE personnel certification

NDE personnel must be qualified and certified to a recognized standard such as ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712 at levels I, II, or III.

NDE timing

NDE should be performed after final weld completion and, for delayed cracking-prone materials, after a specified delay (e.g., 24 to 48 hours).

Surface preparation for NDE

The weld surface must be clean and accessible for the NDE method; RT requires safety controls for radiation.

NDE acceptance criteria

Acceptance criteria for indications are defined by the applicable code or specification and must be recorded and traceable to the weld.

NDE coordination

Scheduling NDE, ensuring qualified procedures, and verifying equipment calibration to support welding quality.

Repair re-examination

Repairs of rejected welds require re-examination by the same or equivalent NDE method after repair.

NDE procedure qualification

NDE procedures must be qualified and approved by a Level III examiner before use on production welds.