AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier flashcards

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

Essential variable

A welding variable in which a change requires requalification of the procedure because it can affect the mechanical properties or soundness of the completed weld.

Nonessential variable

A procedure variable that may be changed without requalifying the WPS, provided the change is documented in a revised WPS approved by the responsible party.

Supplementary essential variable

A variable that becomes essential only when notch toughness is required, such as heat input, preheat, or interpass temperature limits.

PQR document

The procedure qualification record documents actual test coupon variables and test results, and is signed by the testing laboratory and the responsible manufacturer.

Guided bend test

A qualification test in which a specimen is bent around a specified radius; the weld is examined for cracks or defects exceeding the code acceptance limit.

Reduced-section tensile test

A qualification tensile specimen machined to the weld cross-section; acceptance requires strength at least equal to the specified minimum of the weaker base metal.

Qualified thickness range

The production thickness range a procedure may cover, derived from the test coupon thickness using the governing code's multiplier rules.

Base metal grouping

A code classification system that places similar base metals in groups; welding one group may qualify others only within the code's stated allowances.

Welding coordination

The organizational function ensuring that welding activities comply with the applicable standard, including procedure control, personnel qualification, and documentation.

Manufacturer accountability

The manufacturer or contractor remains responsible for code compliance of welding, even when coordination tasks or inspection are delegated to others.

WPS revision control

A system ensuring only the current approved WPS revision is available at the work location and that superseded revisions are withdrawn from use.

Welder assignment log

A record linking each welder to the specific WPS, process, and position used, traceable to the welds that welder produced.

Calibration traceability

Records showing that welding equipment and test instruments are calibrated against recognized standards, with valid status at the time of use.

Nonconformance report

A document recording a departure from requirements, its containment, root cause, disposition, and verification that corrective action was effective.

Filler metal exposure limit

The maximum time or condition an electrode or flux may be exposed before use, set by the manufacturer to prevent moisture pickup and hydrogen problems.

Heat and lot traceability

The record linking consumables and base metal to their heat or lot numbers, enabling investigation if a material problem is later found.

NDE method selection

The choice of examination technique, such as radiography, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, or penetrant, set by the governing code and contract requirements.

NDE personnel certification

Formal recognition that an examiner meets the training, experience, and examination requirements for the method and level performed.

Examination sequence

The order in which NDE methods are applied, typically surface examination before volumetric examination, so indications are not obscured.

Image quality indicator

A device placed on the radiograph to demonstrate that the technique achieves the required sensitivity and contrast for acceptance decisions.

Repair weld re-examination

The requirement that repaired areas be re-examined with the same method and acceptance criteria, and documented as a new weld activity.

NDE report content

A record identifying the weld, procedure, examiner and certification level, acceptance criteria applied, results found, and disposition of indications.

Qualification versus production NDE

Procedure qualification coupons are evaluated against PQR test criteria, while production welds are evaluated against production acceptance criteria in the code.

Surface versus volumetric NDE

Surface methods detect discontinuities open to or near the surface; volumetric methods detect internal discontinuities throughout the weld thickness.

Welder performance qualification

A test demonstrating that an individual welder can produce sound welds to a qualified WPS within specified essential variable limits.

Weld test coupon

The assembly a welder prepares for qualification, whose thickness, diameter, position, and joint design set the limits of the resulting qualification.

Position qualification

The welding position demonstrated on the test coupon, which limits the production positions the welder may use under the code's position rules.

Progression variable

The direction of vertical welding, uphill or downhill, which is an essential variable for welder qualification because it changes heat input and fusion.

Continuity of qualification

The requirement that a welder use the qualified process within a defined period, commonly six months, to keep the qualification valid.

Retest after failure

The rule allowing a welder who failed a qualification test to retest only after documented additional training or practice, sometimes with a waiting period.

Welder qualification record

A document listing the coupon details, process, positions, filler, test results, examiner, and date, retained for the code-specified period.

WPS coverage for welders

A welder qualified within essential variable limits may weld any qualified WPS that falls inside those limits, not only the procedure used for testing.