What is the Weld Procedure Specification (WPS)?

What is the Weld Procedure Specification (WPS)?

• A. A document that lists step-by-step directions needed to complete a weld joint.
• B. A record of the welding that actually took place while following a specific procedure.
• C. A list of safety instructions for welding operations.
• D. A training manual describing welding techniques.

Answer: (A)

The Weld Procedure Specification is the document that defines exactly how a weld should be made to meet required quality and code standards. It lays out the plan for a weld, specifying the welding process (like SMAW, GMAW, or GTAW), the base metal and its thickness, the filler metal, the joint design, and the precise welding parameters and conditions to follow—such as current, voltage, travel speed or heat input, shielding gas, preheat and interpass temperatures, and any required joint preparation or heat treatments. This makes it a “how to weld this joint” guide that a welder can follow to ensure the produced weld will meet the specified properties and standards. It’s not a record of what actually happened on a particular weld (that would be a procedure qualification record or production record), nor is it a safety checklist or a training manual. The WPS is about the planned procedure and variables to control so the weld quality is consistent and verifiable.

The Weld Procedure Specification is the document that defines exactly how a weld should be made to meet required quality and code standards. It lays out the plan for a weld, specifying the welding process (like SMAW, GMAW, or GTAW), the base metal and its thickness, the filler metal, the joint design, and the precise welding parameters and conditions to follow—such as current, voltage, travel speed or heat input, shielding gas, preheat and interpass temperatures, and any required joint preparation or heat treatments. This makes it a “how to weld this joint” guide that a welder can follow to ensure the produced weld will meet the specified properties and standards.

It’s not a record of what actually happened on a particular weld (that would be a procedure qualification record or production record), nor is it a safety checklist or a training manual. The WPS is about the planned procedure and variables to control so the weld quality is consistent and verifiable.