Glossary term
Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) and Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ)
The three welding records behind every production weld: the procedure the welder follows, the test that proves the procedure works, and the test that proves the welder can apply it.
Last reviewed by the OdysseyGPT team
What it is
A WPS (welding procedure specification) tells the welder how to make a weld. A PQR (procedure qualification record) proves that procedure works, from a test coupon. A WPQ (welder performance qualification) proves a named welder can apply it. All three must cover each weld's process, material, thickness and position.
Key Takeaways
- WPS = the instruction. PQR = the proof the instruction works. WPQ = the proof the welder can follow it.
- Every range on a WPS must be supported by its PQR under the code's essential variables.
- A welder's qualification has its own ranges and must be kept current.
- Welding records go into the manufacturing record book with the weld map.
Why it matters
A welding procedure specification (WPS) is the written instruction for making a weld: process, base and filler materials, thickness and diameter ranges, positions, preheat, heat input and post-weld heat treatment. A procedure qualification record (PQR) records the test coupon that was welded and tested to prove the procedure gives sound welds with the required properties; it supports one or more WPSs. A welder performance qualification (WPQ), sometimes called a welder qualification test record, proves that a named welder can make a sound weld with that kind of procedure, within its own ranges of position, thickness and process. ASME Section IX and ISO standards such as ISO 15614 (procedures) and ISO 9606 (welders) set the rules, and each has its own essential variables. Each production weld should trace to a WPS supported by a PQR, and to a welder whose qualification covers it and is current on the weld date, which usually means the welder has kept up continuity by using the process within the period the code sets.
How OdysseyGPT uses it
The Welding Qualification Review (beta) checks that your WPS, PQR and welder qualification records support every weld on the weld map. For each weld it looks at process, material group, thickness and diameter range, position, filler and welder continuity on the production date, and cites every uncovered weld. It is a review, not a welding management system.
Evaluation questions
What is a pWPS?
A preliminary welding procedure specification: a draft procedure used to weld the qualification test coupon. Once the coupon passes, the results are recorded on the PQR and the WPS is issued.
What software manages WPS and welder qualifications?
Welding management systems hold procedures, welder records, continuity and weld maps. OdysseyGPT's Welding Qualification Review (beta) is a review instead: it checks the records you have against each weld on the weld map.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a WPS, a PQR and a WPQ?
The WPS tells the welder how to make the weld. The PQR proves that procedure works, from a tested coupon. The WPQ proves a named welder can apply it. A production weld needs all three to line up.
How do I check a WPS covers the thickness and position welded?
Compare the weld's material, thickness, diameter, position and process with the ranges on the WPS, then check those ranges are within what the supporting PQR qualifies under the code. Do the same for the welder's WPQ ranges.
What is welder continuity?
Evidence that a qualified welder has kept using the process within the period the code sets, so the qualification stays valid. It is usually kept in a continuity log signed by the employer.
Who approves a WPS?
The manufacturer writes and certifies it. Customers often review it as a vendor document, and some orders need a third-party inspector to witness the PQR test or sign the records.
References
Welding procedure specification
Wikipedia