WPS & PQR: The Dynamic Duo Behind Every Quality Weld
Every superhero has a sidekick.
Batman had Robin.
Iron Man had Jarvis.
And in the welding world?
The WPS has the PQR. Or is it the PQR has the WPS?
These two documents are the foundation of weld quality — not buzzwords, not paperwork for the shelf, but actual tools that keep your shop consistent, safe, and code-compliant.
If your shop is guessing settings, winging wire speeds, or, my personal favorite, relying on “what feels right,” it’s time for a hard reset. Welding isn’t guesswork. It’s applied science.
What Really Happens in a PQR?
Whether someone’s running beads, inspecting welds, or writing specs — they need to understand what a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) really is.
It’s not a recommendation. It’s proof. The PQR shows that a specific set of welding variables can produce a sound weld — because it’s been tested under controlled conditions.
To qualify a Welding Procedure Specifiation (WPS) , you:
Choose your base metal and filler
Set your process, joint prep, preheat, amps, volts
Record travel speed, interpass temperature, and all essential variables
Weld a test coupon
Then you break it. Literally.
The mechanical testing that follows includes:
Tensile tests – to measure strength
Bend tests – to reveal internal flaws like lack of fusion or inclusions
Charpy impact tests – to check toughness, especially for cold climates or structural work
Macro/micro etch – to verify penetration, fusion, and bead profile
Hardness/corrosion testing – for applications like duplex, sour service, or hardfacing
The results become the PQR. It’s not theory. It’s DATA.
From PQR to WPS: Building the Blueprint
Here’s how they work together:
The PQR says: “We welded this exact way, and it passed destructive testing.”
The WPS says: “Here’s the allowable range you can use in production based on that test.”
So, if a welder is handed a WPS and it doesn’t trace back to a valid PQR — it’s not a real WPS. It’s just paper. A WPS without a PQR is a guess. And a PQR without real testing is a liability.
Why It Matters
Welders: The WPS is your roadmap. It’s not random. It’s been tested and proven. It’s there to make your job easier — and safer.
Inspectors: The job isn’t to verify welds “look good.” It’s to confirm production welds are within the parameters qualified by the PQR. Deviating from the WPS means stepping outside the envelope of proven performance.
Engineers & QA: Sound procedures lead to fewer failures. Documented, qualified processes reduce risk, ensure code compliance, and protect the company’s reputation and liability exposure.
No More Guessing
Welding in a shop should not be based on feel. It should not be a competition of who’s the most “comfortable” with their own settings.
Welding deserves better. It’s not like
WPS and PQR aren’t just compliance tools — they’re communication tools. They’re how engineers, welders, inspectors, and QA all speak the same language. They eliminate confusion. They build confidence. And when used right, they protect everyone involved.
Because in the end, welding is more than skill — it’s process, planning, and performance.
Let’s Not Pretend This Doesn’t Matter
It’s not like we’re fabricating, fitting, and welding…
Pressure vessels that can explode
Rotating impellers spinning at 1,800 to 3,600 RPM
Bridges like the I-40 and I-55 in Memphis, carrying over 75,000 vehicles a day
Commercial jets flying across the world
Aerospace components launched into space
Skyscrapers towering hundreds of stories in the air
Oh, wait.
Yes.
That’s exactly what we’re doing.
Welding isn’t background noise. It’s at the core of modern infrastructure, transportation, defense, energy, and manufacturing.
And the procedures behind those welds? They have to be right.
The Bottom Line
WPS + PQR = The Dynamic Duo
You need both. One is the roadmap. One is the proof.
Together, they give welders the confidence to lay solid beads, and inspectors the assurance that what’s being built will hold.
If your shop’s not using both, then it’s not welding — it’s high stakes poker and you are holding a 7-2 offset hand.
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WeldLytics helps welders, inspectors, and QA teams build and manage real-world procedures that pass tests and perform under pressure. Because when the arc is struck, guessing isn’t good enough.