Overview
ISO 15614-6:2006 - "Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials - Welding procedure test - Part 6: Arc and gas welding of copper and its alloys" defines how a preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) is qualified by welding procedure tests for copper and copper alloys in all product forms. It sets out test-piece geometry, welding processes covered, inspection and testing requirements, and the format for recording qualification (WPQR). The standard applies to new welding procedures while recognizing prior national qualifications may remain valid.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose
- Qualification of pWPS by welding procedure tests for arc and gas welding of copper and its alloys.
- Defines range of qualification and conditions for test execution.
- Covered welding processes (per ISO 4063)
- Manual metal arc (111), MIG (131), TIG (141), plasma arc (15), oxy‑acetylene (311).
- Preliminary WPS and record
- pWPS prepared in accordance with ISO 15609-1 (arc) or ISO 15609-2 (gas).
- Results documented in a Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR).
- Test pieces and joint types
- Standardized test-piece shapes and minimum dimensions: butt joints (plates and pipes), T‑joints, fillet welds, branch connections.
- Test-piece welding must represent production conditions; tack welds fused into the final joint are included when applicable.
- Examination and testing
- Combination of non‑destructive testing (NDT) and destructive testing per Table 1 (examples include visual, radiographic, penetrant testing, transverse tensile, bend tests, macro‑examination).
- Testing extent and specimen locations are specified; re‑testing rules apply.
- Qualification range
- Limits and variations (material thickness, parent material grouping, process‑specific parameters) are defined in Clause 9.
- Witnessing and personnel
- Welding and testing are to be witnessed by an examiner/examining body; successful operators may be qualified per ISO 9606-3 or ISO 14732 where applicable.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 15614-6:2006 is used by:
- Welding engineers and procedure developers preparing pWPS for copper alloys.
- Fabricators and manufacturers that weld copper components and assemblies.
- Quality managers, welding coordinators, and inspection bodies performing welding procedure qualification and records (WPQR).
- Certification bodies and third‑party inspectors who witness tests and confirm conformity to welding standards.
Typical application areas include welding of copper conductors, piping and tubing, heat‑exchange components, and general fabrication where copper and its alloys are used.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 15614-6:2006, welding procedure test, copper welding, copper alloys, arc welding, gas welding, pWPS, WPQR, welding qualification, NDT, destructive testing.
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