This is the most common WPS in structural steel fabrication — a prequalified GMAW procedure for fillet welds on ASTM A36 plate per AWS D1.1 Annex N. The procedure covers T-joints and lap joints in all positions using ER70S-6 solid wire with 75% Argon / 25% CO2 shielding gas. IronKit generated this WPS in under 5 minutes after the user selected the base metal, process, and joint type. Because it falls under D1.1 prequalified status, no PQR (Procedure Qualification Record) testing is required — the WPS can go straight to production. This is the procedure most structural shops use for 90% of their fillet welding on A36.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "prequalified" mean under AWS D1.1?
A prequalified WPS uses combinations of base metal, filler metal, joint details, and parameters that AWS D1.1 Annex N has already validated. No PQR testing is required — the WPS can be used immediately in production as long as all parameters stay within the prequalified ranges.
Can I use this WPS for groove welds?
No. This WPS is qualified for fillet welds only (T-joints and lap joints). Groove welds require a separate WPS with the appropriate joint preparation and may need PQR qualification depending on the detail.
Why 75/25 gas instead of 90/10?
75% Ar / 25% CO2 is the standard AWS D1.1 prequalified gas mix (SG-AC-25). It provides good penetration, low spatter, and is the most widely available structural welding gas. 90/10 can be used but is more common on thinner material or when spatter control is critical.
Does IronKit check the prequalified parameters?
IronKit flags the WPS as prequalified when the combination of base metal, filler metal, joint type, and parameters falls within AWS D1.1 Annex N limits. If any parameter is outside the prequalified range, IronKit notes that PQR qualification is required.