Part I: General Questions on the WPSAmerica.com's Online Welding Software Services:

1.1 What makes the WPSAmerica.com unique and superior welding software?

1.2 What are the benefits to members of the WPSAmerica.com, and how I can join?

1.3 How can I avoid performing costly qualification test (PQR), by using a proper Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), in first place?

1.4 Who should sign and approve my weld document, as per requirement of the welding codes?

1.5 What are the features of WPSAmerica.com's Welding Community? Can I collaborate and business network with all the members?

1.6 Do you recommend my welding engineering service to customers or visitors of the website?

1.7 Why membership fee is based on recurring payment plan, not one-time charges? What is the WPSAmerica.com policy for refund and termination of service?

1.8 Is online payment secure on the website, and is my personal information kept private?

Part II: Questions on the WPSAmerica.com Software Features for Weld Document (WPS, PQR, WPQ, WPQR, WPDS, SWPS, Welders Management Report):

2.1 Do I need to download the software on my computer, and does it comes with CD?

2.2 Can I save my weld document both online and on my computer?

2.3 Does the software provide any suggested weld data, for welding steels, stainless steels and aluminum, for several welding processes [SMAW (Stick), FCAW, GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), SAW]?

2.4 What are the main features of the software? Does the software prevent us from putting illogical or invalid information in any area that would not meet the specification being addressed?

2.5 Does the software guide us for selection of shielding gas? Does the software have the ability to choose between short-circuiting mode of transfer and spray mode of transfer for GMAW (MIG) welding process?

2.6 Does the software offer access to any code; if not, how I can order welding code?

2.7 Does the software provide Standard WPS (SWPS) for the ASME code?

2.8 Does the software provide Welding Procedure Data Sheet (WPDS) for the CSA Standards (CSA W47.1/W59-03, CSA W47.2/W59.2)?

Part III: Technical Questions about the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 Prequalified WPS's:

3.1 What is the definition of Weld Type (Fillet weld, Partial groove weld, Complete groove weld)?

3.2 What is a prequalified weld joint or prequalified Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS), and what are the benefits of using prequalified WPS's? What is a Non-prequalified weld joint?

3.3 What welding codes allow the use of prequalified weld joints and prequalified WPS's?

3.4 Are you keep the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) up-to-date with the code updates?

3.5 What types of weld process are used in the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified WPS's?

3.6 Does the software provide prequalified welding procedure specification for GTAW (TIG) process?

3.7 What are the base materials groups used in the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified WPS's?

3.8 What are the generic gas mixtures used in the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified WPS's for FCAW and GMAW (MIG) process?

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Part I: General Questions on the WPSAmerica.com's Online Welding Software Services:

1.1 What makes the WPSAmerica.com unique and superior welding software?

-You are only required to have minimal computer knowledge to use this service.

-No need to download the software on your computer, log in and manage your weld document.

-WPSAmerica.com online software supports more codes than any software company.

-CD welding software, doesn't automatically prepare a single welding procedure for you, however WPSAmerica.com offers over 10,000 procedures for the AWS codes, beside superior software for both the AWS and ASME codes. It also provides free online resources, guides to choose right shielding gases, practical weld parameters data, and educational experts' welding presentations.

-The welding software provides no restriction for the users of companies, no company license fee. The service is good for unlimited intra company use, available anywhere online to members.

-Superior welding software for the AWS structural steels welding codes (steels, stainless steels, aluminum, bridge, and more), as well as the ASME codes (pressure vessel, piping, boiler, power piping, process piping, and more).

-By joining WPSAmerica.com, you can also create your own Web page, WPSAmerica.com/You, and start business network, and collaborate with members in your welding community.

-Option to save your weld document online (WPS, PQR, WPQ, WPQR and Welder Management Report), plus you can always save it on your computer in PDF format.

-The software and database designed by the code experts, and will be updated, if necessary.

-Members also have access to hands-on welding documents (like highlights of the AWS and ASME welding codes, complete codes' rules with full guidance, and welding techniques for several welding processes), in downloadable PDF formats.

-WPSAmerica.com is committed to provide members with the continued value-added services.

-The service fee is very affordable.

Please try the WPSAmerica.com online Demo to see how simple online software work for you.

Join your welding community, create your online Web page profile, and start business network with Fortune 500 companies, consultant engineers, inspectors, welding experts and fabricators, worldwide. To join, please click here

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1.2 What are the benefits to members of the WPSAmerica.com, and how I can join?

We are committed to provide members with the continued value-added services.

In simple words, we proud to say about this welding service that:

•  It works.

•  It's fast.

•  It's available online 24/7

•  It's simple.

•  It's professional.

•  It's unique.

•  It's for everyone.

•  It's affordable.

•  It has been prepared by the code experts.

To see Members' benefits and register online, please click here

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1.3 How can I avoid performing costly qualification test (PQR), by using a proper Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), in first place?

The following are the most common reasons that welding procedure specifications were not getting approval or have been called up for costly qualification testing:

-WPS doesn't comply with the minimum requirements of applicable code

-Lack of knowledge on how to prepare and submit a WPS properly in the first place

-Not selecting a right shielding gas for a WPS, associate with base materials, thickness of base materials, welding process or mode of metal transfer (short circuit, spray, globular), etc.

-Welding parameters are too high or too low in WPS for that specific application

-Don't know how to take advantage of prequalified welding joints of each welding codes (the AWS D1.1, AWS D1.3, AWS D1.6)

Regarding to the last item above, there are still engineers who are not familiar with all aspects of a weld code; for example, many of the welding tests (PQR) for welding of austenitic stainless steels could be avoided, by using and referring of welding procedure specifications to prequalified welding joints of the AWS D1.6 code.

WPSAmerica.com superior welding software provides a unique and simple solution to prepare your weld documents (WPS, PQR, WPQR, WPQ, and Welders Management Report), for any welding process or material in a few minutes; plus we created over 10,000 prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) that fully code-checked with the AWS welding codes, literally.

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1.4 Who should sign and approve my weld document, as per requirement of the welding codes?

Both AWS and ASME codes require that, an authorized persons, Manufacturer or Contractor, should sign the welding documents. Please read scope and responsibility Clauses in Section one of each welding codes.

-For prequalified procedure approval based on the AWS D1.1, AWS D1.3 and AWS D1.6 code, an authorized person can be QA/QC manager, owner or owner's representative, welding supervisor or engineer responsible for the product lines oversight. 

-For non-prequalified procedure, final review and signature on your weld document must be done by the Engineer.

Notes from the AWS codes in regards to responsibility of the Engineer *:

-AWS D1.1/ AWS D1.3/ AWS D1.6: All WPS's (except prequalified WPS's) shall qualified and approved by the Engineer

-AWS D1.2: Contractor is responsible; document should sign by the Engineer for Contractor

-AWS D1.5: Contractor is responsible; document should sign by the Engineer for Contractor. Engineer could be State Engineer, Bridge Engineer or owner's representative.

Please note that Contractor can submit WPS to the Engineer for approval, as well as prepare WPS for conducting tests to qualify WPS's.

* Note: The word “Engineer” referenced in a code could be a structural, mechanical, welding or design engineer with solid knowledge of code.

Third party agent representative can also witness, sign or stamp your document, in addition of your authorized person signature, when it is required by your contract document or when it requested by your client.

To join WPSAmerica.com, please click here

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1.5 What are the features of WPSAmerica.com's Welding Community? Can I collaborate and business network with all the members?

Welding Community is a place that you can collaborate and business network with 100's of company members, from Fortune 500 companies, NASA, consulting engineers, certified inspectors to fabricators worldwide.

To make your communication more efficient, we upgraded welding community by adding instant email notification. When a member sends a message, other member will receive an email notification right away.

You can create your webpage (WPSAmerica..com/You)by adding text, pictures or video (by copy embed video from YouTube.com), and start communicate with all company members.

To start business network with all members in your welding community, please click here

1.6 Do you recommend my welding engineering service to customers or visitors of the website?

Yes, we will definitely recommend your service, if someone contacts the WPSAmerica.com within your State area. You can also take full advantage of your welding community, too.

Welding Community is a place that you can collaborate and business network with 100's of company members, from Fortune 500 companies, NASA, consulting engineers, certified inspectors to fabricators worldwide.

Read more about benefits of your welding community in question #1.5

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1.7 Why membership fee is based on recurring payment plan, not one-time charges? What is the WPSAmerica.com policy for refund and termination of service?

WPSAmerica.com business model is to provide you with the continuous value-added services, not to sell a product or CD. For your convenience, membership renewal is automatic, so that your service will be available to you uninterrupted. The recurring payment plan system let you pay an affordable fee, as long as you remain with the service.

Following are some of the continued value-added services:

-To secure access to database and many features for your welding document needs 24/ 7

-To update welding procedure specifications (WPS's), as well as codes' update every time the AWS and ASME welding codes change, and upgrade online software

-To add more welding procedure specifications (WPS's), more filler metals (welding electrodes, welding rods, welding wires) or base metal groups to the database

-To assist or technical support to you by the code experts, if needed

-To provide you with educational "Tips and How To"

-To create your own Web page and collaborate with members of your welding community

We hope that you stay with the service as long as you are in business. If you decided to not renew your membership, for any reason, your recurring payment plan will be stopped upon your request.  Following is SUBSCRIPTIONS AND PAYMENT term from the Privacy Policy and Terms:

Your subscription will continue for the specified subscription period and will renew automatically at the end of each period, under the same fee structure, unless terminated by us in accordance with this agreement or until you notify us of your decision to terminate your subscription.

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1.8 Is online payment secure on the website, and is my personal information kept private?

This website is 100% safe. Ordering online with us is safe and secure. Your credit card information is safe and secure with us. Our secure socket layer (SSL) software is the industry standard and among the best software available today for secure commerce transactions. It encrypts all of your personal information including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the Internet.

To learn more about safety of the WPSAmerica.com online payment, please click here.

We hate spam and we don't share or sell your private information with anybody as we like to keep our personal information safe too. As specified in the Privacy Policy and Terms , we are committed to confidentiality, security and privacy of an individual's personal information. We adhere to all legislative requirements with respect to protecting privacy.

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Part II: Questions on the WPSAmerica.com Software Features for Weld Document (WPS, PQR, WPQ, WPQR, WPDS, SWPS, Welders Management Report):

2.1 Do I need to download the software on my computer, and does it comes with CD?

WPSAmerica.com software is online platform. So, you don't need to download the software on your computer and it is not available on CD. You can log in and access to your account from any computer online (with your Password and MemberID).

The welding software provides no restriction for the users of companies, no software download, no corporate license fee, no seat license fee, no maintenance service fee, no upgrade fee, plus you will be eligible for 50% OFF the first year membership fee on the second year and after.

Please try the WPSAmerica.com online Demo to see how simple online software work for you.

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2.2 Can I save my weld document both online and on my computer?

Yes. In addition to save a document on your computer, you can save it online. It is easy to manage any of your weld document both on-line and off-line, by using the WPSAmerica.com software, anywhere anytime.

We are committed to provide members with the continued value-added services.

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2.3 Does the software provide any suggested weld data, for welding steels, stainless steels and aluminum, for several welding processes [SMAW (Stick), FCAW, GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), SAW]?

Yes. Suggested weld data for different materials and for each process are provided to members.

Members have access to suggested weld data that provided in both Learn First webpage, and on each form (WPS and PQR) of the software. These weld data are based on years of extensive research done on many resources, including most of the manufacturers data, and it meets with the requirements of applicable welding code for the purpose of prequalified procedure.

Please note that weld data might vary for each manufacturer (Lincoln Electric, ESAB, Hobart Brothers, etc.), and as stated on all consumable manufacturers' data sheets, it needs to be adjusted at your shop or on the field, to meet with the situation (i.e. joint type, position, length of cable, etc.). 

To see more membership benefits, please click here

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2.4 What are the main features of the software? Does the software prevent us from putting illogical or invalid information in any area that would not meet the specification being addressed?

You don't need to be a code expert to prepare a procedure; the software guides you through many parts of a code, essential and non-essential variables; it also provides suggestion on weld data for many process, to create your weld document much simple, comply with the code's rules.

There are 3 field types in any form (WPS, PQR, WPQ, WPQR, Welder Management):

1-Fields that upon your selection from database, the software would automatically add data to your form, type free (like base metal, filler metal, joint type, sketches, heat treatment requirements, qualified ranges, etc.).

2-Fields with a drop-down feature that upon your selection, the software would add selected data to your form, type free.

3-Fields that you need to type text or data by yourself, code related or non-code related data like your name, amperage, voltage, etc. For code related data, the software provides Guides for each code, in every form; please review all the guidelines, before typing any code related data to your form.

Above fields (type 3), capture data exactly as you type on it (i.e. if you type Suzan instead of Susan or you enter 12 volt instead of 22 volt, your entry would remain as you typed in your form). In this case, you need to do a quick final review of your form, before save it, and make sure that there is no any typing error in your form.

Members can gain enough information by reading Highlights of Codes, Learn First, experts' presentations on Welding Community, and other sections that provided for members, plus access to all Guides for each code, and in every form (WPS, PQR, WPQ, WPQR, Welder Management).

Please try the WPSAmerica.com online Demo to see how simple online software work for you.

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2.5 Does the software guide us for selection of shielding gas? Does the software have the ability to choose between short-circuiting mode of transfer and spray mode of transfer for GMAW (MIG) welding process?

To achieve spray or short circuit mode of transfer, you need to have both right shielding gas, and right weld parameters (Amperage, Wire Feed Speed, Voltage). Welding procedure also needs to comply with the weld code for selected mode of arc transfer; for example, prequalified joints for MIG process apply to spray transfer only, according to the AWS D1.1, while both spray and short circuit mode allow for prequalified joints of AWS D1.6 (with some limitation).

WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified procedures have all the right gases that would meet with the acceptable mode of metal transfer (Short circuiting, Globular, Spray Transfer) based on the applicable welding code. Members have access to Quick Guide (preview) on the Learn First webpage for all Shielding Gases that used in any of the 10,000 prequalified WPS's for different materials and for FCAW, and GMAW (MIG) process.

There are also great experts' presentations on your welding community section, in regards to selecting shielding gases for different material and process. PowerPoint presentations like “Choice of shielding gases” are located on [Learn from the Experts!] section.

By reviewing from guides, and presentations that are provided in the software, for shielding gas, members will have better knowledge of choosing an appropriate gas, from the drop-down feature, in each form (WPS and PQR).

Please try the WPSAmerica.com online Demo to see how simple online software work for you.

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2.6 Does the software offer access to any code; if not, how I can order welding code?

The software provides no access to a code book.  However, the software provides full code's rules and complete code's guidance; members can also gain an insight from highlights for many codes, plus guides provided in each form (WPS, PQR, WPQ, WPQR, Welders Management Report).

The software includes base metal and fillet metal database, heat treatments, weld joints, etc., as it shown in tables or figures of a code, plus Qualified Range for the most essential variables of the codes are provided in each form (WPS and PQR), so you might not need to look at your code book, most of the times.

Please try the WPSAmerica.com online Demo to see how simple online software work for you.

You can order the latest edition of welding codes from www.AWS.org or www.asme.org

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2.7 Does the software provide Standard WPS (SWPS) for the ASME code?

The AWS.org provides SWPS's that are acceptable to the ASME code (See Article V and Mandatory App. E of ASME IX).

If you need to purchase SWPS's, please check the AWS website or just click here:

http://www.awspubs.com

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2.8 Does the software provide Welding Procedure Data Sheet (WPDS) for the CSA Standards (CSA W47.1/W59-03, CSA W47.2/W59.2)?  

The software from our sister website, WeldCanada.com, supports the CSA Standards.

Note: Companies which require certification with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) shall meet with all the requirements of the CSA codes (CSA W47.1, CSA W47.2, CSA W178.1 or CSA W186). Learn more on WeldCanada.com

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Part III: Technical Questions about the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 Prequalified WPS's:

3.1 What is the definition of Weld Type (Fillet weld, Partial groove weld, Complete groove weld)?

Partial Joint Penetration (PJP) Groove Weld: Groove welds without steel backing, welded from one side, or groove welded from both sides, but without back gouging, are considered PJP groove welds.

Complete Joint Penetration (CJP) Groove Weld: CJP groove welds made with backing, or welded without the use of backing, but have the root back gouged to sound metal before welding is started from the second side, are considered CJP groove welds.

Fillet Weld: Joints where the joined pieces are between 60 and 135 degree are considered fillet weld.

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3.2 What is a prequalified weld joint or prequalified Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS), and what are the benefits of using prequalified WPS's? What is a Non-prequalified weld joint?

A weld joint specified in a governing code that does not require validation of welding parameters through the performance of a procedure qualification test (PQR), is prequalified weld joint.

Governing codes that designate joints as prequalified are the AWS D1.1, AWS D1.3, AWS D1.6

Prequalified procedures that meet with the requirements of the AWS codes could save your company time and money, by eliminating needs to perform costly welding tests (PQR). Using proper procedure would also improve quality of your products.

A weld joint that does not specified in a governing code as prequalified weld joint, that does require validation of welding parameters through the performance of a procedure qualification test (PQR), is Non-prequalified weld joint.

Database of Sketches library of the software, includes over 500 codes' related weld joints, including all prequalified weld joints, as well as standard weld joints, that help you avoid drawing on your own.

You can access to over 10,000 AWS prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's), for steel and stainless steel (Plate, Pipe, Sheet, Box), by click here

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3.3 What welding codes allow the use of prequalified weld joints and prequalified WPS's?

Governing codes that designate prequalified weld joints, for using prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) are the following codes:

-AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel:

See weld joints on Figures 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11 (PJP, CJP, Fillet)

-AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code-Sheet Steel:

See weld joints on Figures on Section 3 (PJP, CJP, Fillet)

-AWS D1.6 Structural Welding Code-Stainless Steel:

See weld joints on Figures 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6 (PJP, CJP, Fillet)

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3.4 Are you keep the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) up-to-date with the code updates?

By using from the WPSAmerica.com prequalified procedures, you avoid doing unnecessary costly tests. These procedures prepared by the code experts and will be updated with the latest edition of structural steel welding codes.

The software also continuously will be updated to meet with the latest version of each AWS and ASME welding codes, reducing the costs associated with the purchasing of new code every year.

WPSAmerica.com's prequalified welding procedures ease the complexity of development of weld procedures for structural steel applications (Sheet, Plate, Pipe, Box), in accordance with the AWS D1.1, AWS D1.3 and AWS D1.6 welding codes.

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3.5 What types of weld process are used in the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified WPS's?

Prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS's) were prepared for the most used industry weld processes:

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) or stick welding

FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding)

SAW (Submerged Arc Welding)

GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or MIG welding for both Solid wires and Metal Cored wires

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3.6 Does the software provide prequalified welding procedure specification for GTAW (TIG) process?

The AWS D1.6 Structural Steel Code-Stainless Steel, and the AWS D1.3, Structural Steel Code-Sheet Steel, allow using GTAW (TIG), as prequalified process, but not the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Code-Steel.  However, the software helps members to create procedures for any process, including prequalified TIG or non-prequalified TIG process. Database of Sketches library of the software, includes over 500 codes' related weld joints, including all prequalified weld joints for TIG process of AWS D1.6 code [Figure 3.5 (CJP) and Figure 3.4 (PJP)], and AWS D1.3 code (Figures on Section 3).

Complete Joint Penetration (CJP) Groove Weld; Partial Joint Penetration (PJP) Groove Weld

The main reason that WPSAmerica.com doesn't provide instant prequalified procedure for TIG process is because that industry tend to use other low cost and faster process (GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, SAW) for structural steel applications.

Note: TIG process requires higher skilled welder, and mainly used for quality welding of the ASME code's products, like pressure parts that require 100% X-Ray and NDT approval rate. It also used for structural works, mainly for cosmetic purposes.

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3.7 What are the base materials groups used in the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified WPS's?

Depends on your search and selection, base metals on a prequalified WPS includes one of the following material groups to meet with the codes' requirements:

-Steels in Groups I, II, III of Table 3.1 of AWS D1.1 Code (Excluding Weathering Steels)

-Only Steels in Category 2 of Table 3.2 of AWS D1.1 Code

-Weathering Steels, ASTM A 588 (Cor-Ten B) or Steel Group III of Table 3.1-AWS D1.1

-Steels in Groups I and II of Table 1.2 of AWS D1.3 Code

-Steels in Group I of Table 1.2 of AWS D1.3 Code (for AWS A5.1 E60XX only)

-Austenitic Stainless Steel 304/304L, 316/316L Grades, Group A & B of Table 3.2-AWS D1.6

Note: Prequalified procedure is only acceptable for AWS D1.1, AWS D1.3, and AWS D1.6 code, considering limitations for each code. Therefore, use of prequalified procedure is not allowed by other codes (ASME, AWS D1.2, etc.).

Please try prequalified Free Demo

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3.8 What are the generic gas mixtures used in the WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified WPS's for FCAW and GMAW (MIG) process?

WPSAmerica.com's 10,000 prequalified procedures have the right gases that would meet with the acceptable mode of metal transfer (Short circuiting, Globular, Spray Transfer) based on applicable welding code. Members have access to Quick Guide (preview) on the Learn First webpage for all Shielding Gases that used in any of the 10,000 prequalified WPS's for different materials and for FCAW, and GMAW (MIG) process.

There are also great experts' presentations on your welding community section, in regards to selecting shielding gases for different material and process. PowerPoint presentations like “Choice of shielding gases” are located on [Learn from the Experts!] section.

One of the WPSAmerica.com valued members is Mr. Ed Craig from WeldReality.com. He worked with gas companies, AWS Technical Committee and weld industry for over 40 years; he wrote a few books in regards to weld process control and shielding gases. He describes in his website and his book that many expensive Tri-Mix generic gases (like combination of CO2, Argon and O2) in the market are not necessary produce a better weld for MIG welding, and he recommends to choose right weld parameters with dual gas mix instead.

Ed recommends using only Ar+15% CO2 or Ar+10% CO2 for carbon steels and Ar+2% CO2 for stainless steels.

Members have access to Quick Guide (preview) on the Learn First webpage for all Shielding Gases that used in any of the 10,000 prequalified WPS's for different materials and for FCAW, and GMAW (MIG) process. Here is just a preview of shielding gases for GMAW (MIG) process:

-Carbon steel solid wire (MIG): Shielding gases, spray mode: Ar+8 to 15% CO2

-Stainless steel solid wire (MIG): Shielding gases, spray mode: Ar+2% CO2 and Ar+2% O2

-Stainless steel metal cored wire (MIG): Shielding gases, spray mode: Ar+2% CO2 and Ar+2% O2

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