Choosing an Evaluation Method for your Test Plate
We recommend you have a copy of the structural steel standard, CSA W47.1-03 “Certification of Companies for Fusion Welding of Steel” close by as you review the following info.
Cut & Bending is available on all Processes, SMAW, GMAW & FCAW/MCAW
X-Ray is available on SMAW and FCAW/MCAW only. GMAW must be Bent for Evaluation.
Why would we choose X-Ray to Evaluate?
Advantages may be:
(1)- Coupons are welded, visually inspected by CWB Rep and sent to a
Lab for X-Ray. No extra work for the Welder and they can move on with
the rest of their day.
(2)- If the welder is tested up tp 90 days in advance of the Expiry Date
on the welder card, he or she will have the time remaining on the card
to retest if necessary as the existing welder card remains in effect until
the expiry date. If the welder passes, the additional time will be added
to the new welder card.
(3)- The Company can expect to pay about $20.00 per position for SMAW
and about $25.00 per postion for FCAW/MCAW for X-Ray Services. The Canadian
Welder, Video Training & Test Centre offers a lower rate on coupons
that are Evaluated by X-Ray. Please see our “Price Schedule”
for more details.
Disadvantages may be:
(1)- Test results may be delayed by up to one week.
Why would we choose Cut & Bending to Evaluate?
Advantages may be:
(1)- Cut and Bending of coupons will yield immediate Pass/Fail results and allow for retesting if necessary, providing retest arrangements have been made prior to test day.
Disadvantages may be:
(1)- Welders will have extra work as the weld cap and back bar (if Option
1 is used) will have to be removed by the individual before bending is
performed.
Please Note
The Canadian Welder, Video Training & Test Centre recommends the “Option-1
(GF)" test assembly if X-Ray is used to evaluate. See: Option-1 (GF)
on page 72 of the CSA W47.1-09
If Cut & Bends are used to evaluate. “Option -3 (G) test assembly
(found on page 71) is recommended as this coupon will eliminate the need
to remove the back bar found in Option-1(GF). As Option-3 (G) is a Groove
weld only, the welder will be required to weld a Fillet weld test assembly
as well to achieve the Groove & Fillet weld Qualification.
If Option-3 is used the welder will be required to remove only the weld
caps on either side of the plate. The fillet weld assembly will be fractured
and macro etched by test centre personal.
(See fillet weld coupon on page 71 of the CSA W47.1-09)