When a company sends welders out for qualification testing, the goal is not simply to complete a list of tests. The goal is to make sure each welder completes the right tests for the work they need to perform—without paying for unnecessary overlap.
Recently, a company contacted Calumet Welding Center to schedule qualification testing for a group of welders. Each welder was initially scheduled to complete three tests:
- A 6010/7018 Super Coupon
- A TIG Super Coupon
- A TIG-Stick Combination Super Coupon
Reviewing the Testing Plan
Before testing began, our team reviewed the company’s qualification goals and clarified the applicable code language.
For this particular objective, the TIG-Stick Combination Coupon would not provide an additional benefit. The 6010/7018 Super Coupon and TIG Super Coupon already provided the coverage the company needed.
Rather than simply processing the original request, we recommended removing the unnecessary third test.
The Result: More Than $500 Saved Per Welder
The revised testing plan saved the company more than $500 per welder.
The company then chose to apply part of those savings toward an additional stainless steel qualification test. Instead of paying for a redundant test, the company expanded the range of work its welders could support.
The revised plan provided:
- More than $500 in savings per welder
- One unnecessary test removed from the schedule
- An additional stainless steel qualification added
- A more efficient use of the company’s testing budget
Why a Pre-Testing Review Matters
Welder qualification testing is not one-size-fits-all. The right testing plan depends on the company’s procedures, applicable code requirements, materials, welding processes, and the work each welder will be expected to perform.
With decades of welding-industry experience and thousands of tests and procedures behind us, the Calumet Welding Center team helps companies review their testing goals before the first coupon is welded.
A short conversation upfront can help a company avoid unnecessary costs, reduce redundant testing, and get more value from each qualification appointment.
Planning Welder Qualification Testing?
Send us your procedures and testing goals before scheduling. Our team can help review the requirements and identify the most efficient testing path for your welders.