If you don’t work in the steel or metal industry there will be a number of terms that you will be completely unfamiliar with. The term coded welding, which you might also hear as code welding or welding codes, is one such term.
Here we will look at exactly what the term means and everything else you might want to know about coded welding.
What is Coded Welding?
To put it in simple terms, coded welding refers to the type of welding that is done by a coded welder, who has taken and completed a Welder Approval Test in the appropriate welding format.
There are a wide variety of different jobs that are carried out within the welding industry and each one has their own specific method. Some of the codes are very specific whilst others are more general.
The welder approval codes that are used in the UK are done to the appropriate BS EN standards. In other countries they have their own standards that they adhere to – for example in the USA they use a standard referred to as ASME IX.
Usually when a welding specification is given for a role, the person who undertakes that role will need to be qualified to that exact specification. That means that any welder taking the job will be required to offer a welding sample that is as close to the specifications of the job as possible.
An approved test examiner will examine the sample in order to determine if the welder is question has the necessary skills to do the job. If they determine that this is the case, then the welder will be deemed to be coded to that specific specification.
It is important to note that if a welder is coded in a particular specification this does not mean that they are qualified in another type regardless of being coded. Each type of welding specification carries its own coding and has its own testing and examination procedures. A multi-coded welder is one who has done a number of different tests and passed them.
What is Coded Welding Used for?
Coded welding is used for all sorts of things in a wide variety of different industries. It is essentially used for every type of welding from the welding of pipes to assisting with the welding of pipework in the construction industry. Different type of metal, from aluminium to steel, and different types of joints require different coding.
Hiring a Welder
If you are looking at hiring a welder for a project that you have ongoing then it is really important to ensure that you hire one who has the right coding for the job you have. Ask the welder you are looking about their qualifications, and also the type of projects that they have previously worked on. It is also important to check that they have the correct type of training for your project. A welder who is qualified and has the appropriate training will always be more than happy to discuss this with you to prove their ability to do the job in question.
You may also want to check that the person or company that you employ to do the job is fully insured for both your peace of mind and theirs. When it comes to choosing a to carry out a job it is important to ensure that you make the most appropriate choice for your requirements to save having issues later down the line.
