Welding Reference Card
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BuyWPQ vs WPS — What Each Document Covers
Performance qualification and procedure specification work together — not either/or
A WPS specifies how to weld a qualified procedure; a WPQ documents that a specific welder can execute it. Clear relationship explainer — complementary and sequential, not alternatives.
This is not an either/or decision
A WPS and a WPQ serve different roles in the same shop workflow — you typically need both, in sequence.
Open WPQ Builder → Open WPS Builder →What a WPS Does
A Welding Procedure Specification specifies how to make a weld for a procedure that has been qualified — process, joint, filler, electrical characteristics, technique, and pass sequence within the bounds established by the supporting PQR. It is the shop-facing procedure document. Draft layouts with the WPS Builder; see also WPS vs PQR.
What a WPQ Does
A Welder Performance Qualification documents that a specific person can deposit sound weld metal using a qualified procedure under stated test conditions (process, position, coupon). It answers “can this welder execute it?” — not “how should anyone weld this joint?” Use the WPQ Builder to format a test record template after (or alongside) the actual tests.
How They Work Together
The usual sequence: qualify a procedure (PQR) → write a WPS that references it → qualify welders to that WPS (WPQ). They are complementary and sequential, not alternatives. Choosing “WPQ or WPS” is the wrong question — ask whether production has a written procedure (WPS) and whether each welder on the job has a performance record (WPQ) tied to it.
TestTalkHQ tools: Both builders produce documentation templates. Neither certifies a procedure nor qualifies a welder. Code-required testing and judgment by a qualified individual still apply.
Where to Go Next
Document a welder test with the WPQ Builder. Prefill the WPS reference by loading a WPS Builder .json export. For AWS D1.1 context, read What Is AWS D1.1? and try the AWS D1.1 Quiz. Field help: WPQ Builder Guide and Troubleshooting.
Reference Materials
AWS code books and official welder qualification form pads are common shop references for performance qualification records.
Catalog gap: No AWS D1.1 code books or WPQ/WPS form pads exist in the TestTalkHQ affiliate CSV at publish time — we do not substitute unrelated products.
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