What is the purpose of a welding procedure specification (WPS)?

The purpose of a welding procedure specification (WPS) is fundamentally to standardize the entire welding process for consistency. A WPS outlines specific details that are necessary to achieve a sound weld in a specific application and delivers clear guidance on the parameters and techniques that should be used during the welding process. This ensures that all welds produced under that specification maintain uniformity in quality, strength, and performance, which is crucial, especially in applications that demand high standards for safety and structural integrity.

The WPS covers aspects such as base materials, filler materials, welding process, joint design, preheat and interpass temperatures, and post-weld treatments. By following a WPS, welders can replicate successful welding practices, resulting in reliability and predictable outcomes in the final product. This also aids in meeting industry standards and codes, which often require documented procedures to ensure compliance and safety in structural applications.

While aesthetic requirements, cost considerations, and flexibility in welding techniques might be important in certain scenarios, these factors do not encompass the primary intent of the WPS, which is to ensure that welding processes are uniform and meet required standards.