Thanks Al for your answer.
I understand that test welds for performance are done to Class A acceptance, and Class A require qualified WPS.
What I'm still confused about is that AWS D17.1 calls out in 5.4.2.2 Test methods for welding procedure specification qualification requires the tests in Table 5.5 for weld procedure qualification. According to the table, it lists Visual and Penetrant as YES, and Bend / Macro conditionally with Note c.
So for my PQR, do I need to only test VT, PT/MT, and a single Bend/Macro? Because this differs from B2.1 which calls out 4 Bends, 2 Tensiles, and a VT. Could I substitute bend tests for RT Tests?
We have our supply of 0.125"x3"x8" coupons and 0.040"x2"x5" coupons for each alloy to cover a range of thicknesses, and if 4 bends and 2 tensiles are required, I am unsure of how many specimens we would need to weld of each in order to have enough bend / tensile blanks.
-Charlie
Actually, I was able to find in the scope of Annex C of the specification "This annex shall be used when bend testing is the method to accept a WPS or welder/operator qualification". It lists in the Annex Table C.1 that groups IB, IIB, IIIB, V are all not applicable for bend tests, where Metallographic or Radiographic tests will be used instead.
This leaves me with just bend tests for 6061 and 6AL-4V titanium. The bend test criteria in Table C.2 are different than those laid out in AWS B2.1, and it seems there is only requirement for a single bend specimen for WPS qualification?