What were the variables for welder qualification?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere were a total of four variables for welding operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A notable variable for performance qualifications was the \u2018O-number<\/strong>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe \u2018O-numbers\u2019 were assigned to different base metals. Carbon steel and low alloy steel base metals had one O-number, and stainless steels had another (the non-ferrous metals were introduced to ASME Section IX only in the year 1948). The O-number pertained to the qualification of operators<\/em>, hence the term \u2018O-number\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis meant that an operator qualified with base metals of one O-number was qualified to weld on production jobs with only that O-number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another essential variable for the welding operators was the filler metal specification<\/strong>. Meaning that an operator qualified with one electrode specification was qualified to weld with only that electrode specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis is highly restrictive, it must be said. In comparison, the rules are much more liberal today. We have F-numbers today. Per QW-404.15, a welder qualified with a filler metal having a certain F-number is qualified to weld with all<\/em> fillers metals having that F-number, and then some.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother essential variable for welding operators was the change of progression from uphill to downhill and vice versa. This one has continued till today. Today, this variable is enshrined in Section IX in the form of QW-405.3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another variable is the change in position. Testing in any position qualified flat position. Testing in 5G qualified flat, vertical, and overhead positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This one has continued till today as well, with some modifications. Today it finds a place as an essential variable for welder qualifications, in QW-405.1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n