Welder Qualification Certificate
The welder's certificate is a formal document. It confirms that a welder has passed a practical test according to a specified standard. It sets out the exact scope in which the welder is allowed to make flawless welds.
Physicochemical Mechanism of Action
The certificate itself has no physical effect. What it does is document that the welder can handle the metallurgical processes in the weld pool. The welder proves he controls heat input, welding speed and shielding gas flow so that a defect-free structure results.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Without a valid welder's qualification certificate, the welder may not carry out quality-relevant welds. The risk of weld defects rises sharply because the practical qualification is not proven. Typical defects then are pores, lack of fusion, root undercut or hot cracks. At an acceptance inspection or audit these welds are rejected immediately and often have to be completely removed.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
Before starting work, check whether the welder's certificate is valid for the planned welding process, material group, sheet thickness and welding position. Validity is normally 2 years, provided the welder works regularly in that area. After an interruption of more than 6 months the certificate lapses and a new test is needed. The welding supervisor must confirm the ongoing activity every 6 months.