Hi all,

I just noticed a stupid question: If a welder is qualified for FCAW, does he qualified to use GMAW within same scope? If not, please indicate why? Shame on me.

Thank you

Tony

Hi Tony,

the main different between FCW and GMAW is the filler metal. There are two variables for WPQ which reflect the filler metal:
QW-404.15 – F-No. and
QW-404.23 filler metal type (Solid or metal-cored, to flux-cored )
QW-404.23 is applicable only for GTAW.
All solid, metal cored and flux cored wire are assigned to F-No. 6. That means for WPQ FCAW qualifies GMAW and vise versa.

In addition please find below the following interpretation:
Interpretation: IX-86-46
Subject: Section IX, QW-355
Date Issued: November 24, 1986
File: BC86-219
Question: Is a welder who is qualified using gas metal-arc welding (GMAW) also qualified for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) or vice versa, provided the other variables for performance qualification remain unchanged?
Reply: Yes.

_________________
Kind regards,
Juergen Fleischfresser

Thank you Jeurgen,

I thoutht so. Then how about qualification of welding procedures between FCAW and GMAW? Most likely, we can not use FCAW WPS on GMAW welding, because of shielding gas. Am I right? Our company never use GMAW process before.

Thanks again

Tony

Hi Tony,

The gas is not the problem. In some cases you can use the same shielding gas.
For the PQR the main different between FCW and GMAW is the filler metal to.

There are 5 variables for PQR which reflect the filler metal:
QW-404.5 – F-No.
All solid and and flux cored wire are assigned to F-No. 6.

QW-404.6 – A –No.
For the same base metal the common used wire (solid or flux cored) have the same A-No.

QW-404.12 – AWS-Classification and
QW-404.33 – AWS-Classification
The AWS-Classification is for FAW and GMAW in any case different (have a look to the applicable SFA of ASME IIC).
This classification is a non essential variable as long as no impact tests are required (QW-404-33). However, this classification become supplementary essential if impact test are required (QW-404-12).

QW-404.23 filler metal type (Change from solid or metal cored to a flux-cored wire and vise versa)
QW-404.23 is for a FCAW or GMAW WPQ not applicable (unfortunately, because this exemption has nothing to do with the real world) but for a GMAW or FCAW PQR is this variable essential.

That means for a PQR FCAW qualifies not GMAW and vise versa.

_________________
Kind regards,
Juergen Fleischfresser

Thank you So much,

Cleared!!!

All the best

Tony

Mind that product form (solid of flux cored wire) is not an essential variable in WPQ
See table from Sect. IX:
.15  F-Number
QW-404
.30  t Weld deposit
Filler Metals
mauro
.32 t Limit (S. Cir. Arc.)