WPS Builder — Create Procedures That Follow the Code

Writing a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) means documenting every essential variable correctly, formatting it so an inspector can read it, and keeping it linked to the test data that backs it up. WeldPad's WPS Builder gives you a structured, step-by-step workflow that organizes your inputs around the code requirements. You are still the one making the engineering decisions — the software handles the structure, the formatting, and the bookkeeping.

Why Ditch Word Templates for a Dedicated Builder?

Because Word lets you type whatever you want — which means it lets you make mistakes without warning. WeldPad replaces blank text boxes with structured fields tied to actual welding variables.

When you duplicate an old Word document to create a new procedure, you are one missed field away from leaving the wrong F-Number, the wrong shielding gas flow rate, or stale electrical parameters from the last job. Add a few lines to the parameter table and the margins break, pushing data onto a second page the inspector might not see. These are not hypothetical problems — they are the reason shops spend evenings reformatting paperwork instead of welding.

WeldPad gives you structured dropdowns, automatic formatting, and a centralized database. One source of truth. It does not eliminate human error entirely — nothing does — but it significantly reduces the clerical mistakes that cause audit findings.

How Does It Handle AWS D1.1 Prequalified Procedures?

The builder walks you through the requirements of AWS D1.1 Clause 3 for prequalified procedures, prompting you for each variable that must stay within prequalified limits.

If you run a structural steel shop welding A36 or A572 with FCAW, most of your procedures are prequalified. You select the process, and WeldPad prompts for base metal group, filler metal classification, joint design, groove geometry, preheat, and interpass temperatures. The output formats everything so the CWI or third-party inspector sees the variables they expect, in the order they expect them, with nothing left blank.

To be clear: prequalified status depends on more than filling in fields correctly. It depends on the combination of process, base metal grouping, filler classification, joint detail, backing, position, and weld size limitations all falling within what Clause 3 permits. The builder structures your documentation around those requirements. Whether the combination is actually prequalified is still your call as the responsible engineer or CWI.

Can It Build Qualified Procedures Backed by a PQR?

Yes. WeldPad links your Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) data directly to the WPS, so the test data that supports your production ranges is always connected.

When you are working outside prequalified limits — different alloy, non-standard joint, or a code that requires testing for every procedure — you need a WPS supported by a PQR per AWS D1.1 Clause 4 or ASME IX QW-200. You enter the actual test values from your PQR (amperage, voltage, travel speed, coupon thickness, test results), and the builder helps you document the allowable production ranges based on those values and the applicable essential variable rules from Table 4.5 or QW-250.

Because the PQR and WPS stay linked in the database, you never lose the mechanical testing history behind a procedure. When an auditor asks "show me the PQR that supports this WPS," it is one click, not a filing cabinet search.

Does It Support ASME Section IX?

Yes. The builder organizes WPS variables by ASME IX categories — essential, nonessential, and supplementary essential — with process-specific variable tracking per QW-250.

Pressure vessel and pipe shops live by Section IX. Writing a procedure per QW-200 means tracking base metals by P-Number, filler metals by F-Number and A-Number, and documenting every process-specific parameter the code requires. WeldPad handles the classification lookups — select A36 and the P-Number populates, select E7018 and the F-Number and A-Number follow. You can still override or add notes for edge cases, odd materials, or client-specific requirements.

The builder also accounts for supplementary essential variables when impact testing or toughness requirements are in play. Variable requirements differ by process and by whether you are running a single process or a combination, and the builder tracks that per procedure.

What About Multi-Process and Complex Setups?

Real procedures are not always simple. WeldPad supports single-process and multi-process WPSs — GTAW root with FCAW fill and cap, GTAW root with SMAW hot pass and fill, or any combination your work requires. Each pass group gets its own parameter ranges for amperage, voltage, wire feed speed, travel speed, and shielding gas.

You can document root, hot, fill, and cap passes with different settings, different filler metals where applicable, and different technique details. This is how real WPSs work in production, and the builder handles it without forcing everything into a single-process template.

How Does It Handle Revision Control?

Every WPS revision is tracked with a date, author, and change description. Old revisions are preserved but clearly marked as superseded. You can duplicate an existing WPS and revise it while maintaining full traceability to the original.

This matters because revision control problems are one of the most common audit findings. If a welder is using an outdated procedure, that is a compliance issue regardless of whether the weld itself is sound. WeldPad ensures the current revision is always identifiable and that superseded versions are archived, not deleted.

How Does This Help When the Auditor Walks In?

An auditor wants to see that your procedures are documented, current, and connected to the welders using them. That is exactly what WeldPad's procedure library provides.

Passing an audit comes down to proving you are in control of your documentation. WeldPad keeps your shop audit-ready by linking procedures to PQRs, PQRs to test data, and procedures to welder qualifications. Every welder on the floor is traceable to the procedures they are qualified to run and their 6-month continuity status. When the inspector asks for a record packet, you pull it up — you do not spend the night before assembling it from scattered files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WeldPad automatically write the WPS for me?

No. You are still the welding engineer, CWI, or shop manager — you are responsible for the parameters. WeldPad structures your data, reduces formatting mistakes, and gives you the framework to meet code requirements. It does not generate amperage ranges or make engineering decisions for you.

Can I print procedures for the shop floor?

Yes. WeldPad exports any WPS to a clean, readable PDF you can print, put in a plastic sleeve, and hand to your crew. Welders need paper at the joint — not a login screen.

Can I customize the format with my company logo and revision blocks?

Yes. WeldPad supports company branding, internal document numbers, revision history, approval signature fields, and project-specific notes. Every shop has their own format requirements — the builder accommodates that without breaking the code-required structure.