What is the purpose of a Weld Procedure Specification (WPS) and a Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ)?

• A. WPS outlines dye penetrant testing; WPQ defines acceptance criteria.
• B. WPS lists approved welding conditions; WPQ tests verify welder’s ability under WPS.
• C. WPS defines post-weld inspection; WPQ documents project budget.
• D. WPS is for machine calibration; WPQ sets safety standards.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how a WPS and a WPQ work together to ensure both how welds are made and who is capable of making them. A Welding Procedure Specification is a formal document that outlines the approved welding conditions for a specific process and joint, identifying the materials, thicknesses, positions, filler metal, and the exact welding parameters (like voltage, current, travel speed, preheat, interpass temperature, shielding gas, etc.) to be used. It sets the standard for how a weld should be performed.

A Welder Performance Qualification, on the other hand, is the test that proves a welder can actually weld according to that WPS. It demonstrates the welder’s ability to produce welds that meet the required quality when following the specified parameters. The WPQ results are used to certify that the welder is qualified to perform production welds to the WPS.

The other options mix in aspects that aren’t part of these definitions. WPS is not about dye penetrant testing or post-weld inspection, and WPQ isn’t about budgeting. WPS isn’t about machine calibration, nor does WPQ set safety standards. The correct pairing is that WPS lists approved welding conditions and WPQ tests verify the welder’s ability under those conditions.