What Are Welding Codes?
Welding codes are standards developed to govern the welding process.-The most common welding codes are the American Welding Society (AWS) codes. -Over 50 AWS welding codes cover different aspects of the welding process, including safety, quality, and inspection. -Welding codes are used by welders, engineers, inspectors, and others to ensure that welds are made safely and to a high standard.
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What is the Purpose of the Welding Code?
The purpose of a welding code is to establish guidelines and requirements for the safe and efficient operation of the welding process. Welding codes help to ensure that welds are made correctly and safely and that the finished product meets the required standards.
How Is Welding Code Used?
Welding codes are used by welders, engineers, inspectors, and others to ensure that welds are made safely and to a high standard. Codes are also used to determine the acceptability of completed welds.
What Are The Benefits Of The Welding Code?
Welding codes help to ensure that welds are made correctly and safely and that the finished product meets the required standards. Codes also help promote uniformity in the welding industry and can be used as a basis for training and certification.
What are Some Common Welding Codes?
The American Welding Society (AWS) codes are the most common welding codes. Over 50 AWS welding codes cover different aspects of the welding process, including safety, quality, and inspection. Other common welding codes include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) codes, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) codes, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) codes.
How Often are Welding Codes Updated?
Welding codes are typically revised and reissued every five years. However, some codes may be updated more frequently if there are significant changes in the welding industry or the welding technology.
Who Develops Welding Code?
Welding codes are developed by committees of experts who have knowledge and experience in the welding field. These committees are typically composed of representatives from welding companies, welding associations, government agencies, and other interested parties.
Reason for Developing Codes
Codes for welding are developed by a variety of organizations to set standards for a variety of things:
- inspect the welds
- test the weld
- repair the welds
- approved materials required for welding or used for welding
- fabricating the welds
- Geometry specifications for the weld.
What are Key Terms Used in Welding Codes?
Welding codes use various terms to describe the welding process and the associated quality requirements. Some of the more common terms include:
- Welding Procedure Specification (WPS): A document that provides instructions for performing a welding operation following a specified code or standard.
- QPR: A document that provides evidence that a specified code or standard has carried out a welding operation.
- WQTR: A document that provides evidence that a welding operation has been carried out following a specified code or standard.
- NDT: A method of assessing the quality of a weld without destroying the weld.
- Destructive Testing (DT): A method of assessing the quality of a weld by destroying the weld.
- Non-destructive Testing (NDT): A method of assessing the quality of a weld without destroying the weld.
- Visual Inspection (VI): An inspection method that uses the naked eye to assess the quality of a weld.
- Macro Examination (ME): An inspection method that uses a microscope to assess the quality of a weld.
Some common weld code sections used worldwide are mentioned below.
AWS D1.1:
This document specifies all of the requirements for welding steel frames. This code applies to steels with a thickness of 1/8 inch (3.2mm). Most provisions are required when this code is specified in a contract. Optional clauses and examples are given in an appendix attached to this document.
The bulk of the code is used to help with constructions and structures, such as building a welded structure. Also helps engineers understand how to properly join two pieces of material, usually metals. Hence, they are as strong or stronger than the original parent material.
ASME Section I:
The Boilers Part PW specifies the Requirements for Welded Boilers. The regulations in Part PW apply to boilers and parts thereof, including piping manufactured under the terms of this Section, and shall be used in conjunction with the general requirements of Part PG as well as with the unique requirements in the applicable Parts of this Section that pertain to the type of boiler being considered.
Refers to the requirements that are needed for all methods of construction:
- Boilers of every sort exist, from gas to power to small boilers.
- Endurance boiler used in station services
- Locomotive boilers, portables, and traction service
SNT-TC-1A:
This program is a framework for employers to create their in-house certification program. It’s a collection of recommendations for NDT personnel’s qualifications and certification. nIt also offers recommended continuing education courses, skill development programs, and training for the NDT techniques.
Similarities between ASME and AWS welding codes
There are many similarities between the ASME and AWS welding codes.
- Both codes are developed by committees of experts and are widely used in industry.
- Both codes contain requirements for welders, welding procedures, inspection, and testing.
Difference Between ASME And AWS Codes
There are some key differences between the two codes:
- The ASME code is more prescriptive than the AWS code. That means that it provides more specific instructions on carrying out a welding procedure. For example, the ASME code contains specific instructions on preparing the edges of metal plates to be welded together.
- In contrast, the AWS code is more general and leaves more room for interpretation.
- Another key difference between the ASME and AWS codes is that the ASME code is developed and maintained by a single organization. In contrast, the AWS code is developed and maintained by a consortium of organizations. That means the ASME code is more likely to be updated regularly, while it may not update the AWS code as frequently.
- Finally, the ASME code is typically used in welding applications where safety is of the utmost importance, such as in the construction of pressure vessels and pipelines. In contrast, the AWS code is commonly used in general fabrication and repair applications.
How To Get A Copy Of A Welding Code?
Most welding codes are purchased from the organization that developed the code. For example, you can purchase the AWS codes from the American Welding Society website. You can purchase the ASME codes from the ASME website. You can purchase the CSA codes from the Canadian Standards Association website. You can purchase the ISO codes from the International Organization for Standardization website.
