Phase 1: Preparing Your Weld Test Coupons for Certification

Phase 4: Secure Packaging for the Safe Transit of Your Test Coupons

Phase 2: Meticulous Labeling for Accurate WPQ Tracking

The journey to a successful welder qualification begins in your workshop.

Careful preparation of your weld test plates is paramount for accurate assessment.

Perform the Welding Test Precisely:

• Conduct the welding test strictly in accordance with the specific Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) provided or utilized. This includes adhering to all parameters, from heat input and travel speed to interpass temperature requirements. For groove welds, ensure complete joint penetration as per AWS D1.1 standards.

  Post-Weld Cooling and Cleaning:

• Once welding is complete, allow the welded test coupon to cool completely to ambient temperature. Do not quench or force cool the material. If temporary backing was used, remove it carefully. The specimens must be clean and dry.

• Important: Do not apply any oil, grease, or rust-preventative coatings. These substances can interfere with the visual inspection and subsequent mechanical testing or non-destructive examination (NDE). The integrity and weld soundness of the coupon must be preserved.

Proper and permanent identification of each test coupon is crucial for seamless documentation management and linking to the correct WPQ records.

This step is vital for your audit readiness.

Permanent Marking:

• Each individual test coupon must be clearly and permanently marked directly on the base metal, away from the weld area. Use metal stamps, a permanent marker, or durable adhesive labels that will not detach or fade during transit and handling.

  Essential Identification Details:

• Include the following information on every coupon:

  • Welder's Full Name or ID: As it appears on your Test Request Form.

  • Company Name: Your organization's official name.

  • Welding Process: (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, GTAW).

  • Test Position: Specify the position tested (e.g., 1G flat position, 3G/4G all-position welding).

  • Date Welded: The date the welding test was performed.

  • Base Metal Details: Type (e.g., A36 Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel) and nominal thickness (e.g., 3/8", 1").

  • WPS Reference: If applicable, the specific WPS number used.

  Why Labeling Matters:

• Accurate labeling prevents mix-ups, especially when submitting multiple test coupons for welder qualification or re-certification. It ensures that each test result is correctly attributed to the specific welder and test parameters, supporting continuous welder continuity.

Ready to Optimize Your Welder Qualifications?

Phase 5: Shipping Your Package & Critical Notifications to WeldCertTest

By diligently following these detailed shipping instructions, you actively contribute to a faster, more accurate welder qualification process. Weld Cert Test is committed to providing efficient, reliable, and AWS D1.1 compliant mail-in welding certification services that reduce downtime, maximize workforce productivity, and ensure complete welding code compliance for all your structural steel welding requirements.

Secure your workforce productivity and cost efficiency today.

The final step involves dispatching your package and informing WeldCertTest, ensuring prompt receipt and the initiation of your welder qualification assessment.

Obtain the Correct Shipping Address:

• The specific shipping address for your test coupons and any special delivery instructions will be provided by Weld Cert Test only after your quote has been accepted and your testing has been formally scheduled. It is imperative to use the exact address provided to prevent delivery complications and maintain seamless project compliance.

  Select a Reliable Shipping Carrier:

• We highly recommend using carriers that offer reliable tracking capabilities for your mail-in welding certification services.

  Options include:

  • UPS (e.g., UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air for expedited needs)

  • USPS (e.g., Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express)

  • FedEx (e.g., FedEx Ground, FedEx Express) Choosing a trackable service allows you to monitor your shipment's progress and helps us anticipate its arrival.

  Crucial Notification:

• It is absolutely essential to notify Weld Cert Test as soon as your package has been shipped. Provide us with the tracking number immediately. This critical step allows us to:

  • Anticipate its arrival and ensure prompt receipt.

  • Monitor its progress and address any potential transit issues.

  • Expedite the intake process once it arrives.

  • Proactive communication is key to preventing delays, especially if you are managing a lapsed qualification or require urgent qualification renewal.

  Consider Shipping Insurance:

• For valuable shipments, particularly large batches of test coupons for structural fabrication or heavy construction projects, consider purchasing shipping insurance. This provides crucial protection against loss or damage during transit, safeguarding your investment in your welder performance qualification.

Phase 3: Assembling Required Documentation for Your Shipment

Including all necessary paperwork with your weld test plates ensures a swift and accurate expedited processing of your welder performance qualification.

Protect Your Paperwork:

• Gather all required documents and place them inside a clear, sealed plastic bag. This protects them from moisture, tears, or loss during transit.

  Required Documents List:

  Completed Test Request Form:

  • This form will be provided to you by Weld Cert Test upon acceptance of your quote and scheduling of your welder qualification or re-qualification testing. It contains critical details about the test type and welder information.

    Copy of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS):

  • A copy of the WPS used to perform the weld on the submitted coupon. This allows the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and testing laboratories to verify that the weld was performed according to approved parameters.

    Your Contact Information:

  • Include your full name, direct phone number, and email address for any necessary follow-up during the certification process.

  Special Instructions (If Applicable):

• If your structural steel welding project requires specific non-destructive examination (NDE) beyond standard bend tests, such as Radiographic Testing (RT) weld (X-ray) or Ultrasonic Testing (UT) weld, clearly note these requirements on the Test Request Form or an accompanying sheet. This ensures all specified welding code compliance checks are performed.

Proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage to your weld test plates during shipping, ensuring they arrive at our testing laboratories ready for assessment without impacting your project timelines.

Choose the Right Container:

• Select a sturdy cardboard box or a durable wooden crate that is appropriately sized for the number and dimensions of your test coupons. Ensure it can withstand the rigors of shipping.

• Individual Protection: Wrap each welded test coupon individually. This prevents them from rubbing, scratching, or damaging each other in transit. Bubble wrap, industrial-strength cling film, or heavy paper are good options.

  Ample Cushioning:

• Fill all empty spaces within the box with generous amounts of protective packing materials. Use bubble wrap, foam padding, packing peanuts, or tightly crumpled paper fill. The goal is to prevent the coupons from shifting or moving freely inside the package. This cushioning protects against impacts and vibrations that could introduce or worsen weld defects such as undercut, porosity, cracks, or compromise weld reinforcement, leading to potential re-testing.

  Exterior Marking:

• Clearly mark the exterior of the package on multiple sides with labels such as "FRAGILE - TEST SPECIMENS" or "HANDLE WITH CARE." This alerts shipping handlers to the delicate nature of the contents.

Mastering Mail-In Certification: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping AWS D1.1 Weld Test Plates to Weld Cert Test

Securing your welder's AWS D1.1 welder performance qualification (WPQ) efficiently hinges on accurate welded test coupon preparation and precise shipping.

At Weld Cert Test, our mail-in welding certification services are designed to streamline your welder qualification process, ensuring project compliance and maximizing workforce productivity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every critical step, from preparing your test coupons to tracking your shipment, helping you avoid re-testing and ensuring your materials arrive ready for expert evaluation by our Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and testing laboratories. Following these instructions meticulously will secure your active qualification and contribute to overall cost efficiency.