Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) Process Roadmap and Planning Overview

Aygün Karaköse

22 Jun, 2025 08:28 PM

Welding is a critical manufacturing process used to join two or more metal parts by applying heat and/or pressure. The quality, strength, and integrity of welded joints are vital for the safety and performance of structures, pressure vessels, pipelines, and machinery. To ensure consistent and reliable welds, the welding process must be clearly defined, controlled, and validated through standardized documentation.

Two essential documents play a central role in welding quality control and certification: the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR).

1. Step 1: Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

   1. WPS Number:

   Unique identifier for the procedure.

   2. Process:

   E.g., SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, etc.

   3. Base Material:

   
   

   • Material specification (e.g., ASTM A36, API 5L X65)
   • Material thickness range (e.g., 6 mm – 25 mm)
   • Material type (e.g., Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel)

   4. Filler Metal:

   
   

   • Specification (e.g., AWS A5.1, AWS A5.18)
   • Classification and size (e.g., E7018, ER70S-6)

   5. Joint Design:

   
   

   • Type (Butt, Fillet, Lap, Corner, etc.)
   • Groove design and dimensions (root opening, bevel angle, root face, etc.)

   6. Position:

   
   

   • Welding position (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, etc.)

   7. Preheat Temperature:

   
   

   • Minimum preheat temperature (°C or °F)
   • Maximum interpass temperature

   8. Electrical Parameters:

   
   

   • Current type (AC, DCEN, DCEP)
   • Amperage range (A)
   • Voltage range (V)
   • Travel speed (cm/min or in/min)

   9. Shielding Gas:

   
   

   • Type and flow rate (if applicable)

   10. Technique:

   
   

   • Stringer or weave bead
   • Number of passes

   11. Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT):

   
   

   • Required or not
   • Temperature and duration

   12. Remarks:

   
   

   • Special instructions, inspection requirements, or notes.

   
   

2. Step 2: Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

   1. PQR Number:

   Unique identifier for the qualification record.

   2. Welding Procedure Number:

   Reference to the WPS being qualified.

   3. Base Material:

   
   

   • Specification, grade, thickness.

   4. Filler Metal:

   
   

   • Specification, classification, size.

   5. Welding Process:

   
   

   • Method used in qualification.

   6. Joint Design:

   
   

   • Details and dimensions.

   7. Welding Position:

   
   

   • Position used during qualification.

   8. Welding Parameters:

   
   

   • Current type and polarity
   • Amperage (A)
   • Voltage (V)
   • Travel speed
   • Preheat and interpass temperatures

   9. Mechanical Test Results:

   
   

   • Tensile test results
   • Bend test results (face, root, side)
   • Impact test (if required) with temperature
   • Hardness test (if required)

   10. Visual Inspection Results:

   
   

   • Details of any defects or acceptance.

   11. Additional Tests:

   
   

   • NDT results (UT, RT, MT, PT)

   12. Remarks:

   
   

   • Any deviations, notes.