AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier key terms

A written document that lists the variables and ranges a welder must follow to make a production weld, after that procedure has been proven by testing.

The record of the actual test weld made to qualify a procedure, showing the variables used and the mechanical and nondestructive test results obtained.

A welding condition that, if changed beyond the permitted range, requires the procedure to be requalified because the change can affect the mechanical properties of the joint.

A welding condition that may be changed without requalifying the procedure, although the change still must be recorded as a revision to the written specification.

A variable that becomes essential only when notch toughness is a required property, such as heat input or electrode classification in some codes.

A joint detail whose geometry, base metal, and process combination are accepted by a code without further mechanical testing, provided all stated conditions are met.

The energy delivered per unit length of weld, usually calculated from arc voltage, current, and travel speed, which strongly influences cooling rate and toughness.

The temperature of the base metal measured just before the next weld pass is deposited, controlled to limit heat buildup and preserve mechanical properties.

The minimum temperature to which the base metal is heated before welding begins, used to slow cooling and reduce cracking risk in thick or hardenable steel.

A code system that assigns similar steels or alloys to numbered groups so that qualification with one material covers others in the same group.

The standardized designation of a consumable, such as a covered electrode or solid wire, that identifies its composition and intended welding position.

The welded assembly made specifically for qualification, from which specimens are cut and machined for mechanical testing.

A mechanical test in which a specimen is pulled to failure to measure strength and, for some specimens, ductility and location of fracture.

A test in which a welded specimen is bent to a specified angle to reveal ductility problems, incomplete fusion, or other flaws on the tension surface.

A test that strikes a notched specimen to measure the energy absorbed, used to demonstrate notch toughness when the code or design requires it.

The span of base metal and deposited weld thicknesses that a qualified procedure is permitted to cover, determined by the thickness tested.

The planning and control of welding production activities, including assigning qualified personnel and ensuring procedures and equipment are suitable for the work.

A person with the training and experience to organize and supervise welding operations, including procedure control, welder qualification, and inspection arrangements.

A project document that defines inspection points, acceptance criteria, responsibilities, and records needed to verify that welding work meets specification.

A stage in production where work cannot proceed until a designated inspector or coordinator has reviewed and approved the completed activity.

A stage in production that the inspector is notified of and may observe, but work may continue if the inspector does not attend.

The ability to link finished welds back to the materials, consumables, procedures, and welders used, usually through records and marking systems.

A mill document certifying the chemical composition and mechanical properties of a base metal or consumable heat, used to confirm specification compliance.

A unique mark or symbol assigned to each welder and applied to the work or records so that individual welds can be traced to their maker.

The check that a proposed written procedure is complete, code compliant, and supported by a valid qualification record before it is issued for production.

Inspection methods that reveal surface or internal discontinuities without damaging the part, such as visual, penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, and radiographic testing.

The written limits that define which indications or discontinuities are acceptable for a given examination method and quality level.

An interruption in the normal structure of a weld or base metal, such as porosity, slag, or lack of fusion, which may or may not be a defect.

A signal or response from an examination method that suggests a discontinuity or other condition and must be evaluated against acceptance criteria.

An examination method that passes radiation through a weld onto film or a detector to show internal density differences such as porosity or inclusions.

An examination method that sends high-frequency sound into a weld and interprets reflected echoes to detect and size internal planar flaws.

A surface and near-surface method that magnetizes ferromagnetic material and uses iron particles to reveal leakage fields at discontinuities.

A surface method that applies a visible or fluorescent liquid to a cleaned surface so it seeps into openings and is drawn back out for inspection.

Direct observation of the weld and surrounding area, often with aids, to find surface conditions such as undercut, overlap, cracks, and incomplete filling.

A written instruction that specifies the NDE method, equipment, calibration, technique, and reporting required for a particular inspection.

The documented test demonstrating that an individual welder can produce sound welds to a specified standard using a given process and position.

The actual test weld made by a welder under controlled conditions, from which specimens are taken and examined to judge the welder's skill.

A welder-related condition, such as process, position, backing, or pipe diameter, that if changed requires the welder to requalify.

The orientation of the joint during welding, such as flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead, which affects difficulty and the range a welder is qualified for.

The requirement that a welder's qualification stays valid only while it is used periodically within a set time limit and supported by records.