Which item is not typically included in a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?

• A. Welder's personal preferences
• B. Welding parameters
• C. Base material and filler metal specifications
• D. Required preheat and PWHT details

Answer: (A)

A Welding Procedure Specification is a formal, code-driven document that controls how welds must be made to ensure consistent, auditable quality. It specifies the process and all process variables that affect weld integrity, including the base material and filler metal specifications, welding parameters (such as current, voltage, travel speed or heat input), shielding gas, joint design and position, and any required preheat, interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment details. Because these elements define exactly how the weld is to be performed and tested, they must be standardized and reproducible across all welders and shifts.

Welder’s personal preferences are not part of a WPS. Personal habits or favored settings vary between individuals and can lead to inconsistent results and noncompliance with the approved procedure. The purpose of the WPS is to provide a single, repeatable standard that everyone follows, regardless of who is welding.

The other components—base material and filler metal specifications, and preheat and PWHT details—are central to defining the weld’s characteristics and ensuring it meets the required properties.