Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

Objectives:

1. Understand the importance of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) in ensuring quality and
safety in welding processes.
2. Identify the key components and information included in a Welding Procedure Specification.
3. Develop a basic Welding Procedure Specification for a given welding task.

Review:

 Begin the lesson by reviewing the basic concepts of welding, including the different welding
processes and their applications.
 Recap the importance of quality and safety in welding.

Motivation:

 Show a video or present a case study that highlights the consequences of improper welding
procedures.
 Discuss the impact of welding defects on structural integrity and safety.

Activity: Workshop on Developing a Welding Procedure Specification Materials needed: Welding

machines, welding materials, safety equipment, whiteboard or projector

a. Introduction to Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

 Explain what a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is and its significance in welding.
 Discuss the purpose and benefits of having standardized welding procedures.

b. Key Components of a Welding Procedure Specification

 Present a visual aid or handout that outlines the key components of a WPS, such as base metal,
filler metal, preheating requirements, welding parameters, etc.
 Engage students in a discussion on the importance of each component and how they
contribute to the quality of the weld.

c. Developing a Basic Welding Procedure Specification

 Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a different welding task (e.g.,
joining two metal plates).
 Instruct each group to develop a basic WPS for their assigned task, considering the key
components discussed earlier.
 Circulate among the groups to provide guidance and answer questions.

Analysis:

 Bring the groups together and have each group present their developed WPS.
 Encourage class discussion by asking questions about the choices made in each WPS and the
potential impact on the quality of the weld.
Abstraction:

 Summarize the key points discussed during the workshop, emphasizing the importance of
considering all necessary information when developing a WPS.
 Highlight the role of WPS in ensuring consistent and reliable welding results.

Application:

 Provide a real-life welding scenario or problem for the students to solve using their
understanding of WPS.
 For example, present a situation where a specific welding procedure needs to be developed to
repair a damaged structure.

Assessment: Questions:

1. What is the purpose of a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)? Answer: The purpose of a
WPS is to provide a standardized procedure for welding a specific joint, ensuring quality and
safety.

2. Name three key components of a Welding Procedure Specification. Answer: Base metal, filler
metal, preheating requirements.

3. Why is it important to develop a WPS for each welding task? Answer: Developing a WPS
ensures that the welding process is consistent, reliable, and meets quality and safety standards.

4. How can improper welding procedures affect the structural integrity of a welded joint? Answer:
Improper welding procedures can lead to welding defects such as cracks, incomplete fusion, or
excessive distortion, compromising the strength and durability of the joint.

5. What are the benefits of using standardized welding procedures? Answer: Standardized
welding procedures ensure consistent quality, reduce the likelihood of defects, improve
productivity, and enhance safety.

Assignment:

 Assign students to research and analyze different Welding Procedure Specifications used in
various industries.
 Instruct them to write a short report highlighting the similarities, differences, and key
considerations in each WPS.

Interactive Activities related to the objectives:

1. Welding Procedure Specification Matching Game:

 Create a set of cards with different components of a WPS.

Ask students to match each component with its corresponding description or purpose.
2. Group Discussion and Analysis:

 Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different WPS from a real-life
welding project.
 Instruct the groups to analyze the WPS, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and
propose improvements if necessary.