CWI case studies
CWI · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is one of the welding industry's most recognized professional credentials, issued by the American Welding Society to individuals who can demonstrate a working command of welding processes and of the standards that govern them. A CWI determines whether a weldment meets acceptance criteria, handles qualification records, oversees non-destructive testing, and confirms that proper materials are available during testing, which places the inspector at the center of fabrication quality control. The CWI case studies are 5 cases and about 2,198 words.
1Delayed Cracking in Thick Quenched-and-Tempered Steel
An A514 quenched-and-tempered steel beam flange, 1.5 in thick, is welded in the field at 35°F ambient. The WPS calls for SMAW with E11018 low-hydrogen electrodes, a 150°F preheat, and a 400°F maximum interpass.
525 words, about 3 min2FCAW-G Porosity at Restarts and Along One Side
A shop is welding a 1/2 in A36 column-to-base-plate groove weld in the 3G uphill position using FCAW-G. The WPS lists 0.045 in E71T-1 wire, 75% Ar/25% CO2 at 35 cfh, 26 V, 240 A, a 5/8 in nozzle, and 3/4 in contact-tip-to-work distance.
487 words, about 2 min3Radiography Too Soon After Thick Groove Welding
A 1.25 in thick A572 Grade 50 groove weld in a bridge girder is completed at 2:00 p.m. The WPS specifies a 100°F minimum preheat and no postweld heat treatment.
401 words, about 2 min4Fillet Weld Leg and Undercut Acceptance
A 3/8 in A36 plate girder has a 5/16 in fillet weld specified on the drawings. The joint is statically loaded and is a primary member.
402 words, about 2 min5PQR Essential Variable Changes for GMAW Production
A fabricator has a procedure qualification record for GMAW short-circuiting on 3/8 in A36 plate, flat position, using 0.045 in ER70S-6, 100% CO2, 22 V, 180 A, with steel backing. The production weld is a 3/4 in thick A36 moment connection, welded vertical-up without backing, using the same wire but 90% Ar/10% CO2 at 26 V and 240 A in spray transfer.
383 words, about 2 min