WPS & WPQR Qualification – Welding Procedure Approval
Welding Procedure Specification and Qualification Record Approval
WPS and WPQR qualification help manufacturers establish and verify controlled welding procedures. A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) defines how welding is performed, while a Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) documents the qualification test results supporting the procedure. First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd provides welding procedure approval for metallic materials in accordance with applicable EN ISO 15614 requirements and its designated scope.
About the Standard
What is WPS & WPQR?
WPS and WPQR are European standards that set the general technical rules for delivering hot-rolled structural steel products.These standards outline the basic requirements for structural steel, such as how it is made, checked, and documented, following the guidelines in the WPS and WPQR series.
These standards apply to structural steel used in buildings, bridges, factories, infrastructure, and other engineering projects.
They cover the general rules for steel types, their strength, chemical makeup, size tolerances, testing, and inspection, including Mill Test Certificates (MTC), as defined by the specific product standard within the WPS and WPQR series.
WPS and WPQR are widely accepted by steel makers, fabricators, engineering firms, and construction industries across Europe and around the world.
Product certification provides an independent check that structural steel meets the technical standards set by the relevant WPS and WPQR product standard.
Download the WPS & WPQR Certification Brochure
Learn about WPS & WPQR certification, applicable requirements, certification scope, and the assessment process for railway welding manufacturers.
Why It Matters
Material Quality
Verification of structural steel products against the applicable material quality requirements.
Product Consistency
Promotes consistent material properties and manufacturing quality across production.
Engineering Applications
Applicable to structural steel products used in buildings, bridges, industrial facilities and infrastructure projects.
Inspection Documentation
Provides inspection documentation in accordance with the applicable European Standards.
International Recognition
Recognised throughout the European construction and engineering industries.
Key Requirements for WPS & WPQR Qualification
WPS and WPQR establish the requirements for qualifying welding procedures. They cover welding parameters, materials, inspection, testing, qualification results, traceability, and documentation to ensure welding procedures meet applicable standards and quality requirements.
Steel Grades
Conformity with the applicable structutal steel grades specified in the EN 10025 series.
Mechanical Properties
Verification of the specified mechanical properties, incliding strength, ductility and impact toughness were applicable.
Chemical Composition
Verification of chemical composition in accordance with the applicable product standard.
Dimensional Tolerances
Conformity with specified dimensions and tolerances,
Material Traceability
Identification and traceability of materials througout production.
Inspection & Testing
Verification through inspection and testing in accordance with the applicable standards and technical requirements.
Mill Test Certificates
Verification of inspection documents, including Mill Test Certificates (MTC) in accordance with EN 10204 were applicable.
Technical Documentation
Technical documentation and quality records maintained in accordance with the applicable requirements.
WPS & WPQR Certification Process
01
Initial Inquiry
Submit your certification request by providing adequate data, including application form.
02
Release of commercial offer
Our experts will review, if required visit the facility and release the commercial offer.
03
Order Confirmation
Subject to receipt of PO and commercials.
04
Registration
Internal process and audit confirmation.
05
Stage -1 Audit and Final certification audit
Subject to successful audit on each stage.
06
Report preparation, submission, review, approval and release of certification
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WPS in welding?
WPS stands for Welding Procedure Specification. It is a controlled document that defines the welding parameters and conditions to be followed during production welding, including the welding process, base material, filler material, preheat temperature, welding parameters and other applicable variables.
What is WPQR in welding?
WPQR stands for Welding Procedure Qualification Record. It is a documented record of a welding procedure qualification test that provides evidence that a proposed welding procedure can produce a welded joint meeting the required mechanical and quality requirements. WPQR is developed through qualification testing under specified conditions.
What is the difference between WPS and WPQR?
WPS and WPQR work together to support qualified welding procedures and controlled production welding. For a detailed explanation, see our WPS vs WPQR: key differences guide.
Which standards apply to WPS and WPQR?
WPS preparation is generally associated with the EN ISO 15609 series, while welding procedure qualification through testing is covered by the EN ISO 15614 series. ISO 15607 provides the general rules for specification and qualification of welding procedures.
Is WPQR required for a WPS?
A WPS normally needs to be supported by an appropriate qualification method. Under ISO 15607, welding procedures are qualified through one or more WPQRs, although specific application standards can provide alternative qualification routes or requirements. Therefore, the applicable product standard, code or specification should always be checked.
What information is included in a WPS?
A WPS can include information such as the welding process, joint design, base material, material thickness, filler material, welding position, preheating and interpass temperatures, current, voltage, travel speed, shielding gas, heat input and other essential welding parameters applicable to the qualified procedure.
What tests are performed for WPQR qualification?
The tests depend on the applicable qualification standard, material, welding process and product requirements. They can include visual examination, non-destructive testing and destructive mechanical testing such as tensile, bend and impact tests where required. The applicable qualification standard determines the required type and extent of testing.
When is welding procedure requalification required?
Requalification may be required when changes to essential variables fall outside the qualified range of an existing WPQR. Variables can include factors such as welding process, parent material, thickness, welding position, filler material or other parameters specified by the applicable qualification standard.
How long is a WPQR valid?
A WPQR does not simply expire after a fixed period in the same way as some personnel certificates. Its continued applicability depends on the applicable standard, qualification conditions, essential variables and any requirements imposed by the relevant product standard, code or contract. Changes outside the qualified range may require additional qualification.
Can one WPQR support multiple WPS documents?
A qualified WPQR can support one or more WPS documents when the proposed WPS parameters remain within the applicable range of qualification and meet the requirements of the relevant standard. The relationship between the WPQR and WPS should be clearly documented and traceable.
Why are WPS and WPQR important for welding quality?
WPS and WPQR help establish controlled and repeatable welding processes. WPQR provides evidence that a welding procedure has achieved the required properties under qualification conditions, while the WPS provides production personnel with defined parameters for applying the qualified procedure. This supports welding consistency, traceability and quality control.
Who needs WPS and WPQR approval?
WPS and WPQR approval can be required by manufacturers and fabricators involved in welding where applicable standards, regulations, customer specifications or contractual requirements require qualified welding procedures. This is particularly relevant to structural steel, pressure equipment, railway manufacturing, heavy engineering, oil and gas and other safety-critical welded applications.
Is WPS and WPQR required for EN 1090 certification?
WPS and WPQR can be important components of welding control for organizations operating under EN 1090 requirements. The applicable welding procedures and qualification requirements depend on the execution class, welding processes, materials and other applicable requirements.
Is WPS and WPQR required for EN ISO 3834 certification?
Welding procedures and their qualification are important elements of EN ISO 3834 welding quality requirements. Depending on the applicable ISO 3834 quality level and product requirements, organizations need appropriate procedures, qualifications and welding documentation to demonstrate control of welding activities.
How can I obtain WPS and WPQR approval?
The process generally starts by defining the welding application, materials, welding process and applicable standard. A preliminary WPS can then be prepared, a test coupon welded under controlled conditions, and the required examinations and tests performed. The results are documented in the WPQR, which can then provide the basis for an appropriate production WPS within the qualified range. PZVAR provides approval of welding procedures for metallic materials in accordance with applicable EN ISO 15614 requirements.
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