AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2014

An American National Standard

Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification

AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2014

An American National Standard

Approved by the American National Standards Institute

November 21, 2013

Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification

6th Edition

Supersedes AWS B2.1:2009

Prepared by the American Welding Society (AWS) B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification

Under the Direction of the AWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved by the AWS Board of Directors

Abstract

This specification provides the requirements for qualification of welding procedure specifications, welders, and welding operators for manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, and automatic welding. The welding processes included are electrogas welding, electron beam welding, electroslag welding, flux cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, laser beam welding, oxyfuel gas welding, plasma arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, stud arc welding, and submerged arc welding. Base metals, filler metals, qualification variables, welding designs, and testing requirements are also included.

Statement on the Use of American Welding Society Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American Welding Society (AWS) are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When AWS American National Standards are either incorporated in, or made part of, documents that are included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other govern- mental bodies, their provisions carry the full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In all cases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the AWS standards. Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS standard must be by agreement between the contracting parties.

AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While the AWS administers the pro- cess and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards.

AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this standard. AWS also makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.

In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is neither undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is AWS undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using these documents should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. It is assumed that the use of this standard and its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and competent personnel.

This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions. Users should ensure that they have the latest edition.

Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept any and all liabilities for infringement of any patent or trade name items. AWS disclaims liability for the infringement of any patent or product trade name resulting from the use of this standard.

Finally, the AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so.

On occasion, text, tables, or figures are printed incorrectly, constituting errata. Such errata, when discovered, are posted on the AWS web page (www.aws.org).

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the appropriate technical committee. Such requests should be addressed to the American Welding Society, Attention: Managing Director, Technical Services Division, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166 (see Annex H). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. These opinions are offered solely as a convenience to users of this standard, and they do not constitute professional advice. Such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification. It must be reviewed every five years, and if not revised, it must be either reaffirmed or withdrawn. Comments (recom- mendations, additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required and should be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification and the author of the comments will be informed of the Com- mittee’s response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166.

Dedication

The B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification, humbly dedicate this edition of AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2014, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, to Dr.

W. D. (D’or) Doty in recognition of his long stand- ing dedication to the committee and his efforts in the advancement of the art and science of welding. D’or was a leading member of the originating com- mittee of this standard and was a significant force in the development of Standard Welding Procedure Specifications promoted by this standard.

The B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification, humbly dedicate this edition of AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2014, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, to Dr.

W. D. (D’or) Doty in recognition of his long stand- ing dedication to the committee and his efforts in the advancement of the art and science of welding. D’or was a leading member of the originating com- mittee of this standard and was a significant force in the development of Standard Welding Procedure Specifications promoted by this standard.

Personnel

AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification

J. J. Fluckiger, Chair Idaho National Laboratory

J. L. Cooley, 1st Vice Chair J. C. & Associates, Incorporated

1. W. Beckman, 2nd Vice Chair Consultant

   1. L. Diaz, Secretary American Welding Society

      1. M. Allbritten GE Capital

         M. Bernasek C-SPEC

         1. L. Bingham Los Alamos National Laboratory

            1. R. Castner Edison Welding Institute

               1. W. Craig Computer Engineering, Incorporated

               2. H. Gray U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

M. F. Herrle Arise

K. G. Kofford Idaho National Laboratory

R. A. LaFave Consultant

G. S. Michels Summit Consulting

A. S. Olivares HSB Global Standards

J. F. Pike NASA Langley Research Center

W. M. Ruof Bechtel Plant Machinery, Incorporated

J. J. Sekely Welding Services, Incorporated

M. R. Stone URS Flint

M. L. Thomas Rocky Mountain Testing, LLC

G. M. Wisbrock, Jr. Consultant

R. K. Wiswesser Welder Training & Testing Institute

Advisors to the AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification

L. P. Connor Consultant

W. D. Doty Doty & Associates, Incorporated

B. J. Hable Ford Motor Company

K. Y. Lee U.S. Department of Transportation

B. B. MacDonald Consultant

1. A. Schweighardt Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP

   1. W. Sindel Alstom Power Steam

C. E. Spaeder, Jr. Consultant

W. J. Sperko Sperko Engineering Services, Incorporated

R. F. Waite Consultant

AWS B2B Subcommittee on Welding Qualification

M. R. Stone, Chair URS Flint

1. L. Diaz, Secretary American Welding Society

   1. M. Allbritten GE Capital

   2. W. Beckman Consultant

M. Bernasek C-SPEC

K. L. Bingham Los Alamos National Laboratory

J. L. Cooley J. C. & Associates, Incorporated

D. W. Craig Computer Engineering, Incorporated

AWS B2B Subcommittee on Welding Qualification

1. J. Fluckiger Idaho National Laboratory

   E. H. Gray U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

2. G. Kofford Idaho National Laboratory

G. S. Michels Summit Consulting

A. S. Olivares HSB Global Standards

J. F. Pike NASA Langley Research Center

J. J. Sekely Welding Services, Incorporated

M. L. Thomas Rocky Mountain Testing, LLC

1. M. Wisbrock Jr. Consultant

   1. K. Wiswesser Welder Training & Testing Institute

      
      

      Advisors to the AWS B2B Subcommittee on Welding Qualification

      L. P. Connor Consultant

      W. D. Doty Doty & Associates, Incorporated

      1. G. Feldstein Foster Wheeler North America

         B. J. Hable Ford Motor Company

         K. Y. Lee U.S. Department of Transportation

         1. W. Sindel Alstom Power Steam

W. J. Sperko Sperko Engineering Service, Incorporated

AWS B2C Subcommittee on Materials

W. M. Ruof, Chair Bechtel Plant Machinery Incorporated

1. L. Diaz, Secretary American Welding Society

   M. Bernasek C-SPEC

   1. J. Fluckiger Idaho National Laboratory

      M. F. Herrle Arise

   2. G. Kofford Idaho National Laboratory

R. A. LaFave Consultant

Advisors to the AWS B2C Subcommittee on Materials

C. E. Cross Los Alamos National Laboratory

A. Donlevy International Titanium Association

W. D. Doty Doty & Associates, Incorporated

P. Pollak Pollak & Associates

A. W. Sindel Alstom Power Steam

C. E. Spaeder, Jr. Consultant

L. T. Vernam AlcoTec Wire Corporation

G. M. Wisbrock, Jr. Consultant

Foreword

This foreword is not part of AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2014, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, but is included for informational purposes only.

The AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification was formed in 1979. The first edition of B2.1, Standard for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, was published in 1984. This standard introduced the concept of Standard Welding Procedure Specifications (SWPSs) in addition to a set of rules for qualifying welding proce- dures, welders, and welding operators. The following edition, renamed B2.1:1998, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, was an extensive revision of B2.1-84. The Committee has published sixty-two Standard Welding Procedure Specifications; B2.2, Standard for Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification; B2.3, Specifi- cation for Soldering Procedure and Performance Qualification; and B2.4, Specification for Welding Procedure and Per- formance Qualification for Thermoplastics.

AWS B2.1-84, Standard for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, was revised in 1998, 2000, 2005, and 2009.

This is the sixth edition of B2.1, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification. This revision has undergone numerous modifications including the updating of definitions and materials; the clarification of performance qualification for partial joint penetration groove welds and tack welds, and the qualification of multiple welders on a sin- gle test weldment; the addition of NAVSEA/Mil Standards and ABS as references in the Standard Welding Procedure Specification Annex and heat input formulae for waveform controlled power sources; the correction of dimensions and deletion of conflicting examples in the guided bend fixture figures; and editorial corrections throughout the document.

A vertical line in the margin or underlined text in clauses, tables, or figures indicates an editorial or technical change from the 2009 edition.

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary, AWS B2 Committee on Procedure and Performance Qualification, American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166.

Table of Contents

Page No.

Dedication v

Personnel vii

Foreword ix

List of Tables xxi

List of Figures xxi

List of Forms xxii

1. General Requirements 1

   1. Scope 1

   2. Units of Measure 2

   3. Safety 2

2. Normative References 2

3. Terms and Definitions 3

4. Procedure Qualification 5

   1. General 5

   2. Standard Welding Procedure Specifications 5

   3. Welding Procedures Qualified by Employer 7

   4. Evaluation of Test Weldments 9

   5. Qualification Thickness Limitations 9

   6. Special Test Weldment Acceptance Criteria 9

   7. Pipe and Plate Groove Test Weldments and Acceptance Criteria 12

   8. Fillet Test Weldments and Acceptance Criteria 14

   9. Cladding Test Weldment and Acceptance Criteria 16

   10. Hardfacing Test Weldment and Acceptance Criteria 18

   11. Stud Welds and Acceptance Criteria 19

   12. Test Weldments less than 1/16 in [1.5 mm] Acceptance Criteria 20

   13. Welding Procedure Specification Data 23

   14. Procedure Qualification Variables 25

5. Performance Qualification 31

   1. General 31

   2. Qualification by Standard Test 33

   3. Qualification by Workmanship Test 34

   4. Test Weldments 34

   5. Examination Procedures and Acceptance Criteria 45

   6. Performance Qualification Variables 46

Page No.

Annexes 49

Cross Reference for Renumbered Annexes from the 2005 Specification to the 2009 Specification 50

Annex A (Normative)—Illustrations—Weld Position, Test Specimens, and Text Fixtures 51

Annex B (Normative)—Filler Metal Grouping 71

Annex C (Normative)—Base Metal Grouping 75

Annex D (Normative)—Radiographic Examination Procedure 279

Annex E (Informative)—Basis for Establishing a Standard Welding Procedure Specification (SWPS) 283

Annex F (Informative)—Sample Forms 285

Annex G (Informative)—Macroetch Procedure 293

Annex H (Informative)—Guidelines for the Preparation of Technical Inquiries 297

Annex I (Informative)—Guidelines for Requesting Adoption of New Materials Under the AWS B2.1 Standard. 299

List of AWS Documents on Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification 303

List of Tables

Table Page No.

1. Test Methods Required for Procedure Qualification 10

2. Thickness and Size Limitations for Fillet Welds for Procedure Qualification 10

3. Thickness Limitations of Plate and Pipe for Groove Welds for Procedure Qualification 11

4. Thickness Limitations for Cladding and Hardfacing for Procedure Qualification 11

5. Minimum Shear Strength for Aluminum Fillet Welds 17

6. Minimum Tensile Load Requirements for Aluminum Stud Welds 20

7. Minimum Torque Requirements for Steel Stud Welds 21

8. Minimum Torque Requirements for Aluminum Stud Welds 21

1. Examination Requirements for Performance Qualification 32

2. Number of Bend Tests for Performance Qualification 34

3. Allowable Base Metals for Performance Qualification 36

4. Allowable Filler Metals for Performance Qualification 36

5. Position Limitations for Performance Tests 37

6. Limitations for Performance Qualification on Groove Welds in Pipe and Tube 47

7. Limitations for Performance Qualification in Plate Groove Welds 47

8. Limitations for Performance Qualification in Pipe Fillet Welds 48

1. Grouping of Welding Electrodes and Rods for Qualification 72

2. Classification of Ferrous Weld Metal for Procedure Qualification 74

C.1 Listing of Base Metal Specifications—Ferrous Alloys 76

1. Listing of Base Metal Specifications—Nonferrous Alloys 126

2. M-Number Listing of Base Metals—Ferrous Alloys 154

1. M-Number Listing of Base Metals—Nonferrous Alloys 236

2. Listing of Base Metal Specifications—Iron Castings 276

1. Acceptable Linear Discontinuities for Radiographic Examination 280

2. Acceptable Rounded Discontinuities for Radiographic Examination 280

List of Figures

Figure Page No.

1. Welding Procedure Selection Criteria 6

2. Location of Groove Weld Test Specimens—Pipe 12

3. Location of Test Specimens for Welded Box Tubing 13

4. Location of Tension, Longitudinal Bend, and Fracture Toughness Specimens—Plate 14

5. Location of Tension, Fracture Toughness, and Transverse Bend Specimens—Plate 15

6. Location of Fillet Weld Shear Test and Macroetch Specimens 16

7. Fillet Weld Break Test and Macroetch Specimens for Procedure Qualification 17

8. Location of Cladding Test Specimens 18

9. Location of Hardfacing Test Specimens 19

1. Selection of Performance Qualification Method—Workmanship Test or Standard Test 32

2. Typical Workmanship Test Weldments 35

3. Location of 1G, 2G, 5G, and 6G Bend Specimens—Pipe Groove Weldment 38

4. Location of Bend Specimens—Combined Pipe Positions 2G and 5G 39

   Figure Page No.

5. Location of Bend Specimens for Box Tube 40

6. Location of Transverse Bend Specimens—Plate Groove Weldment 40

7. Location of Longitudinal Bend Specimens—Plate Groove Test Weldment 41

8. Location of Fillet Test Specimens—Plate 41

9. Location of Fillet Test Specimens—Alternate Weldment—Plate 42

10. Location of Fillet Test Specimens—Pipe 42

11. Location of Fillet Test Specimens—Alternate Weld—Pipe 43

12. Location of Cladding Specimens—Plate 43

13. Location of Test Specimen—Hardfacing Test Weldment—Plate 44

A.1A Welding Test Positions—Groove, Cladding, and Hardfacing Welds 53

A.1B Limits of Welding Positions—Groove, Cladding, and Hardfacing Welds 54

A.1C Welding Test Positions—Fillet Welds 55

A.1D Limits of Welding Positions—Fillet Welds 56

A.1E Welding Positions—Stud Welds 57

A.2A Transverse Face and Root Bend Specimens 58

A.2B Longitudinal Face and Root Bend Specimens 59

A.2C Transverse Side Bend Specimens 59

A.3A Reduced Section Tension Specimen—Rectangular 60

A.3B Reduced Section Tension Specimen—Round 61

A.3C Alternate Tension Specimen for Pipe 3 in [76 mm] O.D. or Less 61

A.3D Alternate Tension Specimen for Pipe 2 in [51 mm] O.D. or Less 62

A.4A Weld Cladding Side Bend Specimens 63

A.4B Weld Cladding and Hardfacing Chemical Analysis Specimens 63

A.5A Guided Bend Fixture—Bottom Ejecting Type 64

A.5B Guided Bend Fixture—Bottom Type 65

A.5C Guided Bend Fixture—Wrap-Around 66

A.5D Stud Weld Bend Test Fixture 67

A.5E Stud Weld Torque Test Fixture 68

A.5F Stud Weld Tension Test Fixture 69

D.1 Rounded Indication Charts for Radiographic Examination 281

List of Forms

Form Page No.

1. Example of a Performance Qualification Test Record 286

2. Example of a Welding Procedure Specification 287

3. Example of a Procedure Qualification Record 289

4. Example of a Welding Procedure Specification and a Procedure Qualification Record for

   Stud Welding 291

5. Example of a Welding Procedure Specification and a Procedure Qualification Record for

Electroslag and Electrogas Welding 292

Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification

1. General Requirements

1.1 Scope. This specification provides requirements for welding procedure and welding performance qualification. It is the intent that this specification be referenced by other documents, such as codes, specifications, contracts, and quality control or quality assurance manuals. Such documents are recognized in this specification as Referencing Documents. Requirements imposed by the Referencing Document supersede the requirements of this specification.

The requirements for the qualification of welding procedures are provided in Clause 4, Procedure Qualification. The requirements for the performance qualification of welders and welding operators are provided in Clause 5, Performance Qualification.

This specification also defines and establishes qualification variables. Qualification requirements are based on the premise that the Referencing Document will specify fabrication, design, base metal, filler metal, preheat, interpass tem- perature, postweld heat treatment (PWHT), nondestructive examination, and test requirements applicable to the product. Welding procedure and performance qualifications which meet the requirements of other codes and specifications are acceptable, provided they also meet the requirements of this specification.

Base metals and filler metals have been grouped into categories that will minimize the number of qualification tests required. Substitution of one base metal or filler metal for another, even when within the allowable rules, should only be made after an evaluation of the material’s suitability for its intended use. For some materials, additional tests may be appropriate to verify the material’s suitability. Materials not listed require separate qualification.

This specification is intended for use with the following welding processes: EBW = Electron Beam Welding

EGW = Electrogas Welding ESW = Electroslag Welding

FCAW = Flux Cored Arc Welding GMAW = Gas Metal Arc Welding GTAW = Gas Tungsten Arc Welding LBW = Laser Beam Welding OFW = Oxyfuel Gas Welding PAW = Plasma Arc Welding

SAW = Submerged Arc Welding SMAW = Shielded Metal Arc Welding SW = Arc Stud Welding

Employers shall be responsible for the welding performed by their organization, including the use of qualified welding procedures, qualified welders, and qualified welding operators. The welding procedure may be an AWS Standard Weld- ing Procedure Specification (SWPS) published by the American Welding Society, or it shall be qualified by the Employer as required under the rules of Clause 4, Procedure Qualification. It is the Employer’s responsibility to assure that Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs) meet all requirements of the Referencing Document.