AWS B2.1-1-002

Foreword

This foreword is not a part of ANSI/AWS B2.1-1-002 (R2006), Standard Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Shielded Metal Arc Welding of Carbon Steel, (M-1/P-1, Group 1 or 2), 3/16 through 7/8 inch, in the As-Welded Condition, With Backing, but is included for informational purposes only.

The American Welding Society and the Welding Research Council have joined in a cooperative effort to generate standard welding procedures for industry. The need for pretested welding procedures that are supported by adequate test data and that satisfy the technical requirements for the commonly used construction codes and specifications has been expressed by many individuals and organizations. The purpose of a welding procedure qualification is to provide test data for assessing the properties of a weld joint.

This Welding Procedure Specification is an outgrowth of the coordinated work of the Welding Procedures Committee of the WRC and the Committee on Welding Qualification of the AWS. The Welding Procedures Committee has provided the test data documented on the Summary of Procedure Qualification Records.

The welding terms used in this specification shall be interpreted in accordance with the definitions given in the latest edition of ANSI/AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions. Welding symbols shall be those shown in the latest edition of ANSI/ AWS A2.4, Symbols for Welding and Nondestructive Testing.

The AWS Committee on Welding Qualification was formed in 1979 to provide welding standards concerning the subject of qualification. The primary document developed by this committee is AWS B2.1, Standard for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification. This document established the foundation and framework for Standard Welding Procedure Specifications.