Atema

Many steel fabrication shops have asked about the requirements for calibrating weld machines to meet code requirements.

The Requirements
Where do the requirements to “calibrate your weld machines” come from? It is required with some structural steel quality management system certifications such as AISC Major & Simple Bridge certification.  However, per the Structural Welding Code AWS D1.1, there is no requirement.

In the Bridge Welding Code AWS D1.5 (clause 4), the requirement is not actually to calibrate your welding equipment, but to verify the accuracy of meters and devices used to record or display welding variables. This must be done every three months. Meters or other devices include load banks or wire speed meters.  It should be noted, equipment used to verify the accuracy of the meters/devices must be calibrated annually.

While the D1.5 Code doesn’t specifically require it, AISC Major or Simple certified fabrication shops are required to maintain records of these quarterly verification checks and demonstrate compliance by having the appropriate paperwork on file.

Things to consider
If you decide to perform your own amp and volt verification checks, the verifications need to be performed by a qualified person. Safety is paramount.

Almost all maintenance and quality departments are already overworked and adding another task to the list can result in cutting corners and costly mistakes. There are several service companies which perform calibrations and also perform a blow down of the unit’s internal workings like transformers, cables and electrical connections.

A record of verification is encouraged whether you are AISC certified or not, as proof this check was performed.

Bottom Line
If you are not specifically required to calibrate your welding machines, why do it? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Having a stable and accurate welding process will save you time and money, as well as give you peace of mind that you’re producing a quality product.