Knowledge centre: welding standards, qualifications and inspection

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ASME IX vs EN ISO 15614-1: two systems for procedure qualificationASME IX or EN ISO 15614-1? The differences in structure (PQR, WPS, WPQ versus WPQR), variables, testing.
ASME Section IX explainedASME Section IX explained: QW and QB, P-numbers and F-numbers, essential and supplementary variables, WPS.
AWS D1.1 versus the European standards: the key differencesHow AWS D1.1 compares with EN 1090, EN ISO 15614-1 and ISO 9606-1: structure, prequalified WPSs and what it.
AWS D1.1 prequalified WPS: rules, limits and common mistakesAWS D1.1 prequalified WPS explained: when you can skip procedure testing, when a PQR is required.
Welding aluminium: 5083 and 6082Welding aluminium calls for a different approach than steel: oxide film, hydrogen porosity, strength loss.
Welding austenitic stainless steel: 304 and 316Welding 304 and 316 without distortion, carbide precipitation or loss of corrosion resistance: filler.
Image quality in radiography: ISO 19232Wire indicators, duplex wire indicators and the required image quality class: how to demonstrate that.
Selecting shielding gasWhich shielding gas for which material and process? M21, C1, I1 and the mixtures, with their effect.
CE marking of steel structures under EN 1090-1CE marking of structural steelwork under EN 1090-1: how the DoP and FPC work, the role of the notified body.
The NCR: recording, resolving and learning from non-conformitiesWriting an NCR (non-conformity report): when to raise one, what it must contain, the dispositions use as is.
The procedure qualification record (PQR): what it is and how it worksWhat is a procedure qualification record under ASME IX? How WPS and PQR relate, what a PQR contains, how it.
Calculating the throat thickness of a fillet weldThroat or leg length? How to calculate the required throat thickness of a fillet weld to EN 1993-1-8.
The welding coordinator under ISO 14731: when, who and whatWhen a welding coordinator is required under ISO 14731, which tasks and responsibilities the role covers.
Selecting the weld quality level: B, C or DHow to choose between quality levels B, C and D of ISO 5817 with justification: balancing loading.
Planning the welding sequenceA considered welding sequence saves more than the best straightening: balanced welding, back stepping.
Full penetration: when required and how to prove itWhen is full penetration required, when does a partial penetration or fillet weld suffice, and how do you.
Welding duplex stainless steel: key considerationsWelding duplex stainless steel: ferrite austenite balance, the heat input window, filler selection.
EN 13445: unfired pressure vesselsEN 13445 explained: testing groups, joint coefficient, NDT extent and the relationship with the PED. Why.
EN 15085: welding of railway vehiclesCertification to EN 15085-2 for welding railway vehicles: certification levels CL1 to CL4, weld performance.
Execution classes under EN 1090-2: EXC1 to EXC4 explainedHow execution classes EXC1 to EXC4 are determined under EN 1090-2 and what each class means for welding.
How to write an ITP that works in practiceHow to write an ITP (inspection and test plan): structure, hold, witness and review points, responsibilities.
Adopting a WPQR from a third partyAdopting a WPQR from a supplier, a sister company or a previous employer: when it is permitted, which.
Writing a pWPS: variables, sources and pitfallsWriting a pWPS for a welding procedure qualification: the variables it must contain, where to source.
Essential variables: what invalidates a qualificationWhich changes invalidate a welding procedure qualification? The essential variables of ISO 15614-1 and ASME.
FAT and final inspection without surprisesHow to prepare a FAT and final inspection: checklist, the role of the independent inspector, digital release.
Factory production control (FPC) under EN 1090-1Factory production control (FPC) under EN 1090-1: what it must cover, how to set it up in practice.
Ferrite measurement in stainless and duplex weld metalWhy ferrite content in austenitic and duplex weld metal is measured, how the ferritescope works and which.
Welding fine grain steel: S460 to S690Welding S460, S550 and S690: keeping heat input inside the window, preheat, low hydrogen practice.
Validity and revalidation of welder qualificationsValidity and revalidation of welder qualifications under ISO 9606-1: the six-month confirmation.
Welding cast ironRepairing cast iron by welding: grey versus ductile iron, cold welding with nickel electrodes, hot welding.
Hardness testing of welded jointsHardness testing to ISO 9015 and ISO 6507: where to measure in weld and HAZ, which limits apply.
The MRB and MDR: building the project dossier properlyHow to build an MRB or MDR: which documents belong in it, in what order, and why you should compile.
The quality control plan for your fabrication projectWhat belongs in a quality control plan (QCP) for fabrication projects, how it differs from an ITP and how.
ISO 15614-1: the welding procedure test explainedHow does a welding procedure qualification to EN ISO 15614-1 work? Test coupon, testing programme, level 1.
ISO 3834 parts 2, 3 and 4: which part fits your companyISO 3834 has three certifiable parts. Which part suits which company, what each part requires, and how.
ISO 5817 quality levels B, C and D: selecting and applyingWhat the ISO 5817 quality levels B, C and D mean, how to select the right level for your welded work and how.
Welding copper and bronzeWelding copper, brass and bronze: thermal conductivity, preheat, oxygen free copper and the fumes from zinc.
Qualification range for thickness and diameter under EN ISO 15614-1How does the qualification range for thickness and diameter work under EN ISO 15614-1? The tables explained.
Weld defects: recognition, causes and preventionHow to recognise common weld defects, from porosity and lack of fusion to cracks and undercut: causes.
CWI vs IWI: welding inspector certification comparedWelding inspector certification compared: AWS CWI, IIW IWI, CSWIP 3.1 and ISO 9712 VT. Levels, validity.
WPQR cost and lead time: where the money goes and how long it takesWhat drives the cost and lead time of a welding procedure qualification? The cost items of a WPQR, what.
Joint preparation: which form whenV, X, U or J: which joint preparation do you choose and why? Included angle, root face, gap and their.
MAG welding process 135 and cored wire processes 136 and 138Welding process 135 (MAG) and the cored wire processes 136 and 138: metal transfer modes, shielding gases.
Welding fume: limits and dutiesWelding fume and occupational health law: limits for chromium VI, manganese and nickel, mandatory local.
Welding under the PED 2014/68/EU: categories and approvalsWhat the PED 2014/68/EU requires for welding: categories, permanent joints, and approval of welding.
Welder certification compared: AWS, ASME IX and ISO 9606-1Welder certification compared: AWS D1.1, the AWS Certified Welder program, ASME IX WPQ and ISO 9606-1. Who.
Welder qualification to ISO 9606-1How welder qualification to ISO 9606-1 works: the structure of the standard, essential variables, ranges.
Reading welding symbols to ISO 2553Welding symbols explained: the reference line, arrow side and other side, a and z dimensions, length.
Controlling weld distortion: causes, types and measuresHow to control weld distortion: how shrinkage arises, types of distortion, and how welding sequence.
Magnetic particle testing (MT) of welded jointsMagnetic particle testing to ISO 17638: yoke technique, field strength, cross magnetisation.
Material certificates 3.1 and 3.2 to EN 10204Material certificates to EN 10204: the difference between 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 and 3.2, who signs, what to require.
NDT personnel to ISO 9712: levels, responsibilities and validityQualification and certification of NDT personnel to ISO 9712: levels 1, 2 and 3, who may do what, methods.
Welding nickel alloys and InconelWelding Inconel 625, 825 and Alloy 59: sluggish weld pool, hot cracking, dilution in overlay welding.
Submerged arc welding (121): productive and controllableSubmerged arc welding (121): high deposition, applications from tanks to cladding, wire flux combinations.
Dissimilar metal welds: stainless to carbon steelWelding stainless to carbon steel: choosing filler metal, controlling dilution, carbon diffusion.
Operator qualification to ISO 14732 for mechanised and orbital weldingOperator qualification to ISO 14732 for robotic, mechanised and orbital welding: when an operator rather.
PWHT: post weld heat treatment explainedPost weld heat treatment: when PWHT is required, which temperatures and holding times apply, and how.
Penetrant testing (PT) of welded jointsPenetrant testing to ISO 3452: method, dwell times, colour contrast versus fluorescent, and the acceptance.
Phased array and TOFDPhased array (PAUT) and TOFD as a replacement for radiography: how they work, what ISO 13588 and ISO 10863.
Punch list management: from open item to clean handoverHow to manage a punch list: classify items as A, B or C, record them clearly, follow them up and close them.
Radiographic testing (RT) of welded jointsHow radiographic weld testing works: X-ray versus gamma, image quality to ISO 19232, digital radiography.
Robot welding: qualification and controlQualifying robot welding to ISO 15614 and ISO 14732: operator qualification, programme control, seam.
Welding wear resistant steelWelding wear plate such as Hardox 400 and 500: preheat, heat input, undermatching consumables.
TIG welding (141) and orbital welding of pipeworkTIG welding (141) and orbital welding of stainless and titanium pipework: when to choose TIG, backing gas.
Welding titaniumWelding titanium demands full shielding until below 400 degrees: trailing shields, chambers, colour.
Selecting filler metalHow to select the right filler metal: reading the classification, matching versus undermatching, hydrogen.
Tolerances to EN 1090-2Essential and functional tolerances in EN 1090-2: what is mandatory, what is negotiable, how to measure.
Ultrasonic testing (UT) of welded jointsUltrasonic weld testing to ISO 17640: angle probes, testing levels, calibration and why UT finds cracks.
Vendor inspection abroad: control of quality at a distanceVendor inspection abroad: the typical risks, the right inspection stages, reporting and desk expediting.
Heat tint on stainless welds: pickling and passivationHeat tint on stainless steel welds: what the colours mean, acceptance criteria, backing gas with oxygen.
Fatigue of welded jointsWhy welds fail under fluctuating load: detail categories to EN 1993-1-9, the role of the weld toe.
Welding galvanised steelWelding galvanised steel: zinc fume and metal fume fever, porosity, liquid metal embrittlement and restoring.
Visual testing of welds to ISO 17637Visual testing of welds to ISO 17637: lighting, viewing distance and angle, tools, timing.
Visual weld inspection: from preparation to reportHow does a proper visual weld inspection work? Preparation, measuring tools, assessment against ISO 5817.
Preheating in welding: when is it requiredWhen is preheating required in welding? Carbon equivalent, thickness, hydrogen control, practical execution.
When do you need a WPQR?When is a WPQR mandatory? A practical overview of the requirements in EN 1090-2, ISO 3834, the PED.
Calculating and controlling heat inputHow to calculate welding heat input: the formula, thermal efficiency factors per process, and why control.
WPS versus WPQR: what is the difference?WPS and WPQR are not the same document. Learn how the pWPS, the qualification record and the welding.
Preventing hydrogen cracking: mechanism and measuresHow to prevent hydrogen cracking and cold cracking: mechanism, risk factors and countermeasures, from.
Weld map and weld log: traceability for every weldWhy a weld map and weld log are essential: traceability per weld, what to record, and how to set them up.
Choosing the right NDT method for a welded jointWhich NDT method suits which welded joint? VT, PT, MT, UT and RT compared on application, strengths.
How to determine whether an existing WPQR covers your applicationIs your existing WPQR valid for a new job? How to check material group, thickness, process, position.

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