A WPS is a document that describes how welding is to be carried out in

production. They are recommended for all welding operations and many
application codes and standards make them mandatory
What information should they include?
Sufficient details to enable any competent person to apply the information and
produce a weld of acceptable quality. The amount of detail and level of controls
specified on a WPS is dependant on the application and criticality of the joint to be
welded.
For most applications the information required is generally similar to that recorded
on a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) or Welding Procedure Approval
Record (WPAR), except that ranges are usually permitted on thicknesses,
diameters, welding current, materials, joint types etc.
If a WPS is used in conjunction with approved welding procedures then the ranges
stated should be in accordance with the approval ranges permitted by the welding
procedure.
However careful consideration should be given to the ranges specified to ensure
they are achievable, as the ranges given by welding procedure standards do not
always represent good welding practice. For example welding positions permitted
by the welding procedure standard may not be achievable or practical for certain
welding processes or consumables.
EN ISO 15609-1 (formally EN 288 Part 2) European Standard For Welding
Procedure Specifications
EN ISO 15609 Defines the contents of a Welding Procedure Specification in the
form of a list of information that should be recorded. For some applications it may
be necessary to supplement or reduce the list. For example only in the case of a
procedure requiring heat input control would there be a necessity to quote travel
speed or run-out length for manual processes.
ASME IX American Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
QW 250 Lists the variables for each welding process, all the variables stated
should be addressed. The range permitted by the WPS is dictated by the PQR or
PQRs used to qualify it.
MMA

TIG

MIG
MAG
FCAW

SUB
ARC

Welding current

yes

yes

yes

yes

Type of Welding current AC/DC Polarity

yes

yes

yes

yes

Specific To Welding Processes

Arc voltage

If Auto

yes

Pulse parameters (Pulse time and peak &

backgound current)

If Used

If Used

yes

yes

Welding Speed If Mechanised

Wire configuration

yes

yes
yes

Shielding gas (comp,flow rate)

yes

yes

Purge gas (comp & flow rate)

If Used

If Used

Tungsten electode Diameter and type.

yes

Nozzle diameter

yes

yes

Type of Flux Codification & Brand Name

yes

Nozzle Stand Off Distance (Distance from tip

of nozzle to workpiece).

yes

Sketches

Specification:- Example
Weld Procedure Number
Qualifying Welding Procedure (WPAR)
Manufacturer:

Location:

National Fabs Ltd

25 Lane End
Birkenshaw
Leeds
Workshop

Welding Process: Manual TIG

Joint Type:
Single Sided Butt Weld

Joint Design

30 P1 TIG 01 Issue A
WP T17/A
Method Of
Preparation
and Cleaning:
Parent Metal
Specification:
Parent Metal
Thickness
Pipe Outside
Diameter
Welding Position:
Welding Progression:

Welding Sequences

Machine and
Degrease
Grade 304L Stainless
Steel
3 to 8mm Wall
25 to 100mm
All Positions
Upwards

Run
1
2 And
Subs

Size Of
Wire
Current Voltage
Type Of
Travel
Process Filler
Feed
A
V
Current/Polarity
Speed
Metal
Speed
TIG
TIG

1.2mm
1.6mm

70 - 90
80 - 140

Welding Consumables:Type, Designation Trade Name:

Any Special Baking or Drying:

N/A

DCDC-

N/A

Heat
Input

N/A

N/A

Production Sequence
BS 2901 Part 2 : 308S92
No

1. Clean weld and 25mm

borders to bright metal
Gas Flux:
Argon 99.99% Purity
using approved solvent.
Gas Flow Rate - Shield:
8 - 12 LPM
2. Position items to be
- Backing:
5 LPM
welded ensuring good fit
up and apply purge
Tungsten Electrode Type/ Size:
2% Thoriated 2.4mm Dia 3. Tack weld parts together
Details of Back Gouging/Backing: Gas Backing
using TIG, tacks to at
least 5mm min length
Preheat Temperature:
5C Min
4. Deposit root run
Interpass temperature:
200C Max
using 1.2mm dia. wire.
5. Inspect root run internally
Post Weld Heat Treatment
Not Required
6. Complete weld
Time, temperature, method:
using 1.6mm dia wire
Heating and Cooling Rates*:
using stringer beads as
required.
7. 100% Visual inspection
of completed weld