WPS is welding procedure specification whereas PQR is procedure specification record. These are some of the significant and mandatory documents especially to ensure that the welds comply with the rules. They have quite a few similar factors but they are not entirely the same. Between these two, PQR is the standard document that is majorly used since it can be used for different purposes and by people from different backgrounds and history.
WPS vs PQR
The difference between WPS and PQR is the background of the people who use this and also for the purpose. WPS is mostly created and formulated by the engineers and welders to ensure the resultant product complies with all the rules and regulations whereas PQR is used by the people who are responsible for quality checking, inspections, and certifications.
WPS is popularly known as the welder’s guide that comprises all the product features, standard, quality, and also code requirements. It consists of all the details that will help you to systematically weld a product in the proper order. It will make sure that all the errors and imperfections are discarded during the process of welding and make it easy for the welder.
PQR doesn’t usually talk about any ranges. It is just a result of the test conducted by the high officials who check the quality. It consists of the results obtained from the quality tests performed on the welded materials. It has all the necessary tests that confirm that the product is of good quality and worth. All the final results are recorded in this document.
Comparison Table Between WPS and PQR
| Parameters of Comparison | WPS | PQR |
| Contents | WPS contains information from the PQR and is written with PQR as guidance. | PQR is not documented with the WPS as the reference. |
| Generic or Not | WPS is not generic and contains a wide variety of relevant information. | PQR is generic and does not contain random information apart from whatever is needed. |
| Definition | WPS is a document of rules, restrictions, guidance, and procedure to be followed during the process of welding. | PQR contains the observations prepared from the test conducted on the manufactured products. |
| Usage | WPS is used before the product is to be welded. | PQR is used after the product has been welded and the tests have been completed. |
| Place of Use | WPS is used by welders in industries, factories, and workshops. | PQR is usually done by licensed officers and it is an out-of-industry document. |
What is WPS?
The procedure and the process specified in the document are tested and proved to aid the welders in a successful way. It makes sure the safety, quality, and other factors are in check. The significance of the document is that rectifying the errors or mistakes is almost impossible after the product has been produced.
That is the main reason why the product should be manufactured and produced with the utmost care, and in compliance with all the rules. The mechanical properties that are specified in the WPS are to be strictly followed by the welders.
This is a great tool that might come in handy for new welders, it helps them to hone and develop their skills to the same level as the welders who have been welding for years.
This helps in achieving perfection and also the customers can rely on the welders if they follow the WPS and the customers will receive good quality products. Some of the mechanical properties that are being specified in the WPS are strength, toughness, durability, and much more. It also gives instructions on the technique variations used in every step. Each and every standard has separate techniques and rules that are to be followed.
What is PQR?
PQR contains the original method of preparation, testing, and quality test results of the product. It is the document that has the final results of all the tests conducted on the product. It is very useful in the manufacture of products whose techniques are critical and complicated. Automobile welders usually refer to these documents to produce high-quality parts.
It also enables and ensures the welder that this product is safe and worthy to be redesigned, manufactured, or replicated in future years. PQR is more like an official document whereas the WPS is the document that is used in the workshops or industries.
The observations and inference obtained from the tests are documented in this to provide easy, appropriate, and standard access to people who would like to consider the purchase of the product and replication.
The results also include that of the tensile tests and also guided bend tests. It also discloses the name of the welder who has manufactured, the person in charge of inspection, and also the names of the people who were involved in making observations from tests. The person who prepares this document is a qualified official who has the knowledge of providing reliable and accurate results.
Main Differences Between WPS and PQR
- WPS needs PQR during documentation whereas the PQR does not need the WPS.
- WPS is not a generic document but PQR is a generic document.
- WPS contains guidelines whereas the PQR contains results.
- WPS is a document that is needed before the production and manufacturing of the products whereas PQR is documented after the production of the product.
- WPS is used inside the industries whereas PQR is used outside the industries.
Conclusion
These documents apart from the similarities vary in a few features and orientation is one among them. These documents have their own unique way of orientation. While WPS has texts, pictures according to the instructions specified in the given guide. WPS consists mostly of the welding materials’ information.
Its main purpose is to make sure the quality of the product is high and it is safe to be in use. It is also prepared on the basis of considering replication and bulk manufacturing of the products in the future. PQR consists of all the related information and data in addition to the information of welding whereas WPS doesn’t consider much information of the PQR.
