Standard Workability Reference For Production welders & Fab

[gujral502]

If anyone knows about any reference/programe or evaluation method (with the reference of code & standard) to calculate the standard workability of a production welder against different welding methods, also same in case of fabricators that how much Dia Inch one fabricator can perform in 8 hours standard shift.?

[ben]

I would try to answer your query in a practical way.
There is a known term "operating factor" for welders. It is defined as the arc time divided by the total hours worked.
For SMAW welders, the operating factor normally stays at 30% as minimum means that a SMAW welder can actually weld for 2 hours 24 minutes effectively & efficiently in 08 hours shift. Now it depends on specific WPS / PQR that what's the acceptable travel speed which would then give you an idea of total dia inches he can manage to weld.
For semiautomatic welding process the acceptable / practical operating factor is normally 45% and it is 60 - 80% for automatic welding processes.

[gujral502]

Thanks, this operating factor will obviously help me to plan my fabrication and welding accordingly.

[mechcolor]

The "operating factor" mentioned by ben depends on the following:
1. Shifting from one weld to other
2. Welding machine limitation (continuous amperage)
3. Changing wires / electrodes
4. Grinding slag (for SMAW)
5. Interpass temperature
6. Environment where welder is working
7. Preparations (fabricator's work)
8. Health & Safety issues

I suggest if you want to have an optimum operating factor, you must take best care of the last 03 points.

[gujral502]

Actually what I was looking for is an approximate standard working capability so when I compared this formulation with my previous experience, it works indeed.
Anyway thanks for your guidance & time.