Welding Qualification Requirements for MIL-STD-3040A

What You Need To Know: Welding Qualification Requirements for MIL-STD-3040A

With an increasing number of new military ground combat vehicle platform launches, it is critical for welding defense contractors working in military or aerospace sectors to understand and comply with the qualification standards laid out in MIL-STD-3040A. This specification governs the welding procedures, materials, and personnel qualifications required for military-grade applications. In a series of (7) upcoming newsletters, United Technical Inc. will break down the essential elements of welding qualification under MIL-STD-3040A and offer insights into how you can achieve compliance and maintain your certification and the certification of your personnel.

Key Requirements for Welding Qualifications under MIL-STD-3040A

MIL-STD-3040A outlines the welding procedure qualifications and personnel certifications necessary to guarantee the integrity and performance of welded structures in military and aerospace applications. Here are the primary qualifications you need to be aware of.

1)    PQR Qualification

a.     Procedure qualification standards for various material thickness and weld joint classifications.

b.     Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS): The foundation of any weld, WPS defines the parameters that must be followed for a procedure to be deemed acceptable.

c.     Qualification Records (WPQR): After welding procedures and personnel are qualified, all results must be recorded in the WPQR. This is critical for maintaining traceability and verifying the results of each test.

d.     Base material and filler metal testing standards.

2)    Mechanical Testing Requirements

a.     Destructive testing requirements based on weld classification, material thickness, joint type and position.

b.     Qualification of personnel performing the destructive testing and weld inspection.

c.     Document and record retention standards.

3)    Essential Variables

a.     Correct application of essential variable standards.

b.     What is necessary to requalify if an essential variable has changed?

c.     Necessary steps to assure you can pass an audit.

4)    Welder & Inspection Personnel Requirements

a.     Welder Qualification Records (WQR)

b.     Welder training and requalification standards

c.     CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) requirements

d.     NDT (Nondestructive Testing) requirements

e.     Ongoing inspector training and certification

5)    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Standards

a.     NDT test requirements for weld classifications and joint types

b.     Records documentation and retention

c.     First Article Testing (FAT)

6) In-process and on-going inspection during production

a.     Qualified and certified inspectors

b.     Self-audit to confirm process and procedure control

c.     Reporting requirements (operator and ID)

7)    Weld repair procedures

a.     Weld repair procedure documentation

b.     Necessary tracking of weld repairs

c.     Repair record retention

The team at United Technical will be informing you of what you need to know about these (7) critical areas of focus for MIL-STD-3040A in a weekly newsletter beginning May 28, 2025.