When does a WPS have to be requalified?

When does a WPS have to be requalified?

• A. When there is a change to an essential variable
• B. After every project
• C. When a new welding machine is installed
• D. At the start of each shift

Answer: (A)

Requalification is required whenever an essential variable in the Welding Procedure Specification changes. The WPS is approved for a specific set of variables that affect weld quality—things like the welding process, base metal type, thickness, joint design, filler metal, shielding gas, and welding position. If any of those essential variables are changed, the procedure must be requalified to verify that the welds will still meet the required strength and quality. Routine shifts, new machines, or starting a new project don’t automatically trigger requalification unless they involve changing one of those essential variables. For example, changing the plate thickness or switching to a different base metal or filler material would require requalification, because such changes can alter heat input, metallurgical outcomes, and weld integrity.

Requalification is required whenever an essential variable in the Welding Procedure Specification changes. The WPS is approved for a specific set of variables that affect weld quality—things like the welding process, base metal type, thickness, joint design, filler metal, shielding gas, and welding position. If any of those essential variables are changed, the procedure must be requalified to verify that the welds will still meet the required strength and quality. Routine shifts, new machines, or starting a new project don’t automatically trigger requalification unless they involve changing one of those essential variables. For example, changing the plate thickness or switching to a different base metal or filler material would require requalification, because such changes can alter heat input, metallurgical outcomes, and weld integrity.