Is GMAW-S prequalified in AWS D1.3?

By Kix

Date 03-20-2009 14:34

I received a preq WPS from a vendor and as I was reviewing it, I saw that the process was GMAW-S. So I went to the code and started looking to make sure. In the list of welding processes per sec 3, it has, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW-G, FCAW-S, and GTAW, but no GMAW-S. Above the processes it says (see 1.3.1) which gives you a list of acceptable processes that can be used with this code. At the bottom of the clause, it says (Note: any variation of GMAW including short circuit transfer, is acceptable. So I'm confused.

Thanks, Ray C.

By hogan

Date 03-20-2009 14:58

Kix,
If you look at AWS D1.1 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 it lists GMAW-S. I believe that it is talking about the short circuiting process. Hope this helps.

By hogan

Date 03-20-2009 14:59

Sorry I just noticed that you were refering to D1.3, my refrence was D1.1

By Lawrence (*****)

Date 03-20-2009 15:10

Ray..

I don't have my copy in front of me today (spring break).... but I believe the "Note" including GMAW-S makes everything alright..

So long as the WPS data falls within the scope of D1.3

Short circuiting transfer is reliable on materials up to 1/8" eh? D1.3 is a sheet metal code (structural) so they allow for any type of GMAW including Short circuiting transfer or Pulsed for that matter. All lend themselves to thin materials.

By Kix

Date 03-20-2009 15:58

Lawrence,

Thanks for your input!! I'm sure whomever did there qualification was reading it the same way as you, I will read it the same way now.;-) I just got confused because they had both FCAW-G and FCAW-S listed, but only GMAW for the processes in sec 3.

By James Corbin (**)

Date 03-24-2009 22:44

D1.3-08 1.3.1 Approved Processes (any variation of GMAW)
3.1 Written WPS ......Figures 3.1 - 3.2 - 3.3 Note the thickness limits sheet to sheet i.e. most limit you to T2 double the thickness of T1. T1 being the thinnest of 18ga to 7ga in 5 cases so pay attention. None include sheet to support. That would mean 14ga T1 welded to 14ga min & 10ga max as an example.

If you go outside the gage limits for each figure then do a PQR. (Figures 4.2C and 4.3C most bang for the buck if it fits your need)

When doing a PQR when possible note Table 4.2 - 10 e (10ga test) and also 4.7.2 (3 ii) a 10ga test which could reduce the amount of your testing.
For spot welding note table 4.2 - 12 (add primer even if you don't need it) and some great math in the commentary C2 design for keeping fusion nugget size.

Hope this helps direct your code search

By Kix

Date 03-25-2009 12:56

Yes!! Thank you very much James! That was very helpful and will go into my bag O tricks. ;-)