AWS A5.01 is the guide to procuring welding filler metals. It goes into details as to how to order the filler metals to get what you need in the way of quality control and supporting documentation.

The basic testing requirements used to comply with the applicable AWS A5.XX filler metal specification are very limited. I am exaggerating to make a point, but that is the purpose of my example. The manufacturer's quality control program may only require a PQR be run once a year to demonstrate the filler metal will meet the minimum requirements of the applicable AWS A5.XX specification. Their QC program may specify one sample a year must be subjected to chemical analysis to demonstrate the QC program is functional and the materials produced meet the minimum requirements. Keep in mind most manufacturer are going well beyond the minimum requirements required to meet the applicable AWS A5.XX specification to ensure the materials are in compliance, but this is again, just an example.

If the situation I describe is not going to meet your needs, you must define your requirements in your purchase order. There are several levels of test you can specify to ensure a level of quality control you, as the purchaser, can demand if it is properly and completely defined in the purchase order. AWS A5.01 provides a listing of the types of tests available and the types of supporting documentation the purchaser can define and receive from the filler metal manufacturer.

The minimum documentation the manufacturer is required to provide per an AWS A5.XX specification is the label on the box of rod or spool of electrode. No other documentation is required unless it is specified in the purchase order. The purchase order should list the “schedule” of testing required as well as the supporting documentation required. AWS A5.01 makes no provisions for third party oversight or auditing. Each manufacturer develops their own QC system and there are no audits preformed by AWS to ensure the QC system is actually implemented.

Best regards - Al