Structural WPS Document

AWS D1.1 WPS Example — SMAW Groove Weld, 1G Flat

This WPS covers a complete joint penetration (CJP) groove weld using the SMAW (stick) process on A992 steel in the 1G flat position. E7018 low-hydrogen electrodes are specified with a 300°F preheat for the 3/4" plate thickness. The 1G position is shop-welding standard — the work is positioned flat on a welding table for maximum deposition rate and operator comfort. IronKit generated this WPS for a structural fabricator who needed a procedure for moment connection flange welds. The procedure falls within prequalified limits for the V-groove detail, so no PQR testing was required.
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Weld Procedure Specification — Generated by IronKit
WPS No.
WPS-D11-SMAW-002
Rev
A
Date
2026-05-14
Code
AWS D1.1:2020 (Prequalified)
PQR Ref
N/A — Prequalified

Base Metal

SpecificationASTM A992 (Gr 50)
P-NumberP-1 Group 2
Thickness3/4" (qualified range: 1/8" to unlimited with multi-pass)
FormW-shapes (flange-to-flange CJP)

Filler Metal

AWS ClassificationE7018 (AWS A5.1)
Electrode Diameter3/32", 1/8", 5/32"
F-NumberF-4
A-NumberA-1
StorageLow-hydrogen oven: 250°F minimum after opening

Joint Design

TypeSingle-V groove, CJP
Bevel Angle60° included (30° each side)
Root Opening1/4"
BackingSteel backing bar, 3/8" × 1"

Position

Qualified1G (flat)
ProgressionN/A (flat position)

Preheat & Interpass

Preheat Minimum300°F (per Table 3.3 for Gr 50, 3/4" thick)
Interpass Maximum600°F
Preheat MaintenanceMaintain through final pass; slow cool under insulation blanket

Electrical Parameters

Current/PolarityDCEP
Amperage (3/32")70–110 A (root pass)
Amperage (1/8")110–160 A (fill passes)
Amperage (5/32")140–200 A (cap passes)

Technique

Bead TypeStringer beads (weave max 2.5× electrode diameter)
PassesRoot (3/32"), fill (1/8"), cap (5/32")
CleaningChip and wire brush each pass; grind root if backing removed

PWHT

Post-Weld Heat TreatmentNot required for A992 structural connections

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 3/4" A992 require 300°F preheat?
AWS D1.1 Table 3.3 sets the preheat based on material group and thickness. A992 (Gr 50) at 3/4" falls in the range requiring 300°F minimum to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking in the heat-affected zone.
What is the difference between 1G and other positions?
1G is flat position — the plate is horizontal and the weld is deposited downward. It allows the highest deposition rates and is standard for shop work. 2G (horizontal), 3G (vertical), and 4G (overhead) are field positions with progressively lower productivity.
Can I use this WPS for A572 Gr 50?
Yes. A572 Gr 50 and A992 are both P-1 Group 2 base metals with the same preheat requirements. This WPS covers both specifications without modification.
Does IronKit specify electrode storage requirements?
Yes. Low-hydrogen electrodes (E7018) must be stored in a heated oven at 250°F minimum after opening. IronKit includes this note in the filler metal section because improper storage is the most common cause of hydrogen cracking on structural work.

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