D14.3 certification procedure

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Hello all,can someone tell me what process is used for the D14.3 certification test?  I know the D1.1 uses 7018 on 1" beveled plate.  So what is the test like?  Anyone?Thanks,Tony
Reply:Up up up, chip chip chip.Repeat about 42 times.Cut & bendBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:I assume you are asking about procedure qualification.Procedure qualification can be by AWS 2.1, SWPS, or the 3 methods in 7.2.1, which are Prototype, PQR test, or Prequalified. Prototype and PQR Test appear to allow any processPrequalified limits you to SMAW, GMAW, SAW, and FCAW
Reply:Hello all,what I was trying to get at is what is the test actually like?  Is it a 1" beveled plate with a backing strip?  Is it a beveled plate with no backing strip to be welded on one side and turned over and back gouged then welded for full penetration?  Is it with 7018, or a 6010 root and 7018 cover?  Is it a MIG or FCAW as opposed to using welding rods?  Is it a test simulating an actual repair? , etc., etc., etc.I don't have AWS manuals although I could look those up online I'm sure.  I was  hoping someone could just tell me.  Nothing fancy, no technical data, just how is the test done?The reason I ask is that a job posting came up here in Phoenix that requires this certification and I was not aware of what it is.  I did look up the description which says its a cert for welding earth moving equipment and the like.Thanks for any help,Tony
Reply:If you had gone to welding classes at a junior college that is one of the tests covered and they teach you how to do it.You are taught how to weld in different positions.That does NOT mean when you go to do this test for that company that they know how to do it right.Believe it or not sometimes they do not know how to perform tests.But here is the way it goes in general:Was the welding process mentioned? Stick,Wire feed?You will ( or should) be given one or more welding coupons. plates that have a bevel on them. They may or may not be tacked together.They should be tacked with a backing strip attached.You make the first pass (root pass) and then chip and wire brush clean the first pass .Get it clean!Then make the next pass. Clean again. IT should take 14 passes to fill the groove.The backing strip is then removed with a special scarfing torch tip.They could ask you to do the test in a position other than flat.Then they will cut that welding coupon into 3 sections transversely and bend each sectioninto "U" shaped pieces to check for discontinuities (small holes).If there are any holes they add up the size of the holes and it cannot exceed one 3/8 inch hole.The junior college I went to allowed no holes at all.There can variations on this procedure.What they really want to do is establish your technical skill at actually welding.This is called welder Qualification.First they qualify the equipment .Then they establish the WPS(welding procedure specifications for the job)Then they test the welders and then they hire the welders for the job.If you need to ask any questions do not be afraid. But do not ask questions about simple things you should already know.I took a test at a factory one time and was asked on one of the coupons to weld wire feed down hill with stainless duel shield and asked the person testing me if he was sure that he wanted a downhill weld. He said yes, that is what they wanted even though i was taught NOT to weld down hill with wire feed. The American Welding Society had already reported cracked welds in boat hulls and tanks when they were welded downhill.One more thing...About certifications.If you go to a junior college or trade school you may be tested and get a certification for a certain thickness plate and welding equipment.So you can say you are a certified welder and even present that document but......Many time they will have you perform the test anyway because your age may have changed,your eyesight may have changed,or your skills may not be sharp. So you need to get certified FOR THAT JOB.Believe it or not some places you will go to, have never seen a certification document and do not even know how to do testing.But some places know everything.Just practice your skills on a coupon and go take the test. Because remember even if you do not pass. You will know how to take a test.And you may get to see others taking the test and pick up some tips. But do not start asking others what they know if front of the testers.Just watch and learn. You cannot lose.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 01-06-2011 at 01:53 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:HI Donald,thanks for the reply and information.  Sounds identical to the D1.1 test for unlimited thickness which I took years ago with 7018.  Does this mean that the D14.3 test is a wire feed test?Anyway, sorry to sound like a novice at welding.  I have been at it for over 30 years.  In all that time I have only take three certification tests.  One, a plate test for carbon steel unlimited thickness, one for boiler tube, tig root , 7018 cover and carbon pipe, 6010 root, 7018 cover.  Different jobs required their own tests to qualify but official certs, only the above mentioned.I really have no clue as to the other types of certs there are out there, but I know there are a lot.Thanks again,Tony
Reply:Here is what i would do.I would order this book from AWS.It costs $88.00 but then you would know as much and the supervisor on that job should know. I know it is expensive but you got to do it. That is your profession and it is tax deductable as part of your professional tools.Here is the link: http://www.techstreet.com/cgi-bin/de...uct_id=1735986Could be some hardfacing wires for that job because of the type of use of earth moving equipment. I know they have patterns of welding to protect the buckets.Now about the test.There are testing labs. I would call... just a couple and ask some questions.Seriously and they can tell you what is required. Here is one. phone call away. http://socalwelding.com/weldercertification.aspxThat is what I would do if it was me.But no one else answered you on this forum so your are on the frontier.You could get that booklet and then start asking heavy equipment repair shop welders some questions.You may be surprised they do not even know all the rules and specs.You could end up knowing the most and it is because YOU ARE WILLING to buy that book.Knowledge IS POWER.One other idea. Costs money though.Go to a testing lab. Take the test and they explain it all.You get the certification. Go apply for the job. They see the date on the certification. you are done. You may get the job.But remember ask about the JOB. what is it, are there benefits. Days off? Don't just act like you will do anything for a job. Ask what the pay is. You have a right to know.Ask one of the other workers in the parking lot (the day before) if they like the place, and if they get paid well How the boss is etc.,.. They might tell you to run.You need to know.Pretend you do not even need the job and just go check it out. Keep your options open.You may not even like the owner. Wait and go check it out first.Remember they want you to be certified.They may need that for a state of federal requirement. But you want a good boss and good company.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 01-06-2011 at 03:34 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by therreraHI Donald,thanks for the reply and information.  Sounds identical to the D1.1 test for unlimited thickness which I took years ago with 7018.  Does this mean that the D14.3 test is a wire feed test?Anyway, sorry to sound like a novice at welding.  I have been at it for over 30 years.  In all that time I have only take three certification tests.  One, a plate test for carbon steel unlimited thickness, one for boiler tube, tig root , 7018 cover and carbon pipe, 6010 root, 7018 cover.  Different jobs required their own tests to qualify but official certs, only the above mentioned.I really have no clue as to the other types of certs there are out there, but I know there are a lot.Thanks again,Tony
Reply:Hello all,Thank you all for your replies and advice.  I am not facing this test but a job I applied for calls for the candidate to have a D14.3 cert.  I applied anyway, what the hell.  I am going to see if I can get AWS reference manuals on the various certifications, for my knowledge and preparation should I face an unknown test.I am reluctant to buy the book regarding this one qualification only because I am not facing that scenario.  I do however think it would be wise of me to have reference material to the various tests that are out there.  One never knows what he (or she) may face in the working world, skill wise.Thanks again,Tony
Reply:Tony-Here is the text and description of D14.3This specification provides standards for producing structural welds used in the manufacture of earthmoving, construction, and agricultural equipment. Such equipment is defined as self-propelled, on- and off-highway machinery and associated implements. Manufacturers responsibilities are presented as they relate to the welding practices that have been proven successful within the industry in the production of weldments on this equipment. Basic dimensional weld details are defined and interpreted for application throughout the document. Provisions are made to identify base metals used in these weldments. Procedures to assure they are welded with compatible, identifiable welding processes and consumables are included with consideration given to factors that affect weldability. ME...It is vague and very generalized description but the booklet will get more into it..I would get that book or download it from the internet as a PDF for $88.00Then you will have everything you need.Hold On I will post the URL for the PDF booklet.http://www.techstreet.com/standards/...uct_id=1735986Here you go .Good luck. Do not go unarmed. Have all the info.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder