WELD MAP WITH ADDED QUESTION

A weld map is an isometric (piping) / layout (vessel) drawing showing the location and numerical identification of each weld used in the construction of piping system / vessel. Each weld, when completed, is labelled with the weld number indicated on the weld map, the date completed, and the welder/welding operator identification number or code.

The approval responsibility of the weld map (and other related documents such as welding procedures, NDT results) should be outlined in your company's pressure equipment users' manual. I would suggest that is would be the responsibility of the QA/QC department - whether it is a mechanical engineer or not is hard to say, some companies employ metallurgical engineers as well. In any case it should be a "qualified", experienced person.

If I understand this correctly, it sounds like a weld map is to be included with the detailed shop drawings? And in order to validate each weld has been completed per the weld map, I must also have forms available to document this information for each item manufactured along with the date completed, inspector approval, welder identification code, etc?

As for our company's pressure equipment users' manual, we don't manufacture pressure vessels, or piping systems. We are a sub-contracted, precision sheet metal manufacturer, whom is required to comply with AWS Welding Certification Standards in order to obtain a certain contract.

Weld mapping is the process of assigning information to a weld joint to enable easy identification of its design (WPS), production (welders, their qualifications, date welded), quality (visual inspection, NDT) and traceability (heat numbers of materials joined & welding consumables).

Weld mapping should also incorporate a pictorial identification to represent the weld number on the fabrication drawing, in case the designer does not nominate a weld number.

You can use online weld mapping software such as Smart Welding Manager (www.smartweldingmanager.com) to create weld maps that provide 100% traceability as well as a pictorial representation.