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JANUARY 29, 2021 QUALITY

WHAT IS WELD MAPPING?

HOW WELD MAPS & WELD LOGS WORK TOGETHER

WELD MAP
A weld map is a version of the drawing used to number each of the welds or joints contained
within it. The process of numbering or annotating each weld’s location is what turns the standard
drawing into a map. See the weld map example below; this example includes nine welds and two
segments or piping spools. You can find these nine welds documented on the weld log in the
example later in the article.

Typical Weld Map Example

The weld map is the foundational document for creating a weld log. The numbered joints on a
weld map correspond to the numbered rows of the weld log. Using both documents in tandem
provides the most value. The benefit of the weld map is that it creates the weld’s visual position
on the map. The advantage of the weld log is that it documents the who, what, when, and how
of the weld.

In some limited cases, weld details are included on the map, and no separate log is generated. In
these situations, the project requirements are minimal and may only require one or two
properties to be associated with the weld. In these cases, there may be a small table applied
directly to the weld map, often in the area of the bill of materials. Embedding the log on the map
can create a confusing situation for terminology, but this is still referred to as the weld map. This
situation primarily exists in pipe spool fab shops or some structural shops. The disadvantage of
this convenience is the ability to effectively track the progress of welds and maintain the
cleanliness of documentation used to turnover to the client. In most cases, many data fields
must be documented, which requires the standard two document, “map + log” approach.

The styles of annotations used for the weld numbering can vary between companies. Most
situations involving manual mapping utilize common shapes found on drawing stencils, the
hexagon, circle, or square being the most common. The weld number annotation style must also
consider what shapes have already been utilized by the drawing to communicate item numbers
and other such things. It is advisable to follow a company standard that helps the project team
distinguish between weld numbers and item numbers. Welding codes do not specify the shape
of the annotation used in weld mapping. In some cases, a company's past practices, quality
manuals, or client specifications may designate what is used.

WELD LOG
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 A weld log is a table style document that contains data in rows and columns used to document
weld details. PRODUCTS SERVICES BLOG CONTACT
Weld log rows correspond to the numbered joints on the weld map. Weld log columns
correspond to the required documentation fields of the weld.

Weld Log Example

Weld log columns typically include

1. Weld number

2. Joint type

3. Size or diameter

4. Thickness

5. Welding procedure

6. Fit

7. Fit checks

8. Stamps of welders involved

9. Weld dates

10. Initials of inspectors involved

11. Inspection dates

12. Material traceability of the parts joined as well as the filler metal

13. In piping applications what segment or spool number the joint is associated with

WHEN ARE WELD MAPS & LOGS REQUIRED?

Weld maps & weld logs are standard where the product produced will be placed into service
where there is an elevated level of risk; as risk increases, so do the inspections and
documentation level. Each welding code, client, and company will have a standard practice to
address the requirements applicable to the scope of your project.

These factors create a situation where there is no single standard used for a weld log. Many
weld logs will have common elements as there are substantial overlaps from different codes,
clients, specifications, and company practices. The lack of standardization, to some extent,
causes some confusion in the industry as to what is “right” or “wrong” to include on the weld log.
What is most important to remember is that the fields included on the weld log satisfy the
contractual requirements and can be used to benefit business needs.

WHO CREATES THE WELD MAP & WELD LOG?

The documents must be created by a competent person that can deliver the work in an
organized and tidy manner. As such, the author can vary due to project team sizes, a mixture of
staff talents, individual responsibilities, and a company’s organizational supporting structure.
Where specialization exists amongst larger project teams, it is common for a staff person from
the quality department to perform the creation of the weld maps and logs. On small teams, such
as on a maintenance crew, the foreman will likely create the map and may, in very limited
situations create the weld log. In both cases, the inspector still performs the required
inspections.

VALUE OF MAPPING & LOGGING

Weld maps & weld logs provide the following benefits

1. Traceability of welders, weld procedures, inspectors, inspections, materials & filler metals

2. Coordination
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 3. Communication of NDE hold points

4. Clear document trail for client or 3rd party review of work

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5. Documentation of work performed and it’s conformance to contractual requirements

6. Reducing and controlling liability risks

OTHER TYPES OF MAPPING

Depending on the industry, client, specifications, codes, and company quality program, other
forms of mapping may be used or required on a project. These different types of mapping may
include heat number mapping, thickness mapping, or welding procedure specification (WPS)
mapping.

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Weld Map: Drawing upon which welds or joints are numbered creating a visual map

Weld Mapping: The process of numbering or annotating the welds on a drawing

Weld Log: A table style document that contains data in rows and columns. Weld log rows correspond

to the numbered joints on the weld map. Weld log columns correspond to the required documentation

fields of the weld.

IS THERE A SOFTWARE PROGRAM THAT PERFORMS

THESE FUNCTIONS?
Fassen Inc. has developed an innovative software program for weld log, joining, and inspection
functions. Out of the box, it will get your welding quality program up to speed in no time. Sign up
for a free trial at www.fassen.co.

ARTICLES &
RESOURCES
FEBRUARY 11, 2023 WELDING AUGUST 6, 2022 WELDING AUGUST 6, 2022 MATERIAL
CLASSIFICATION OF WELDING RODS, FILLET AND GROOVE WELD JOINT WELDING A-NUMBER GROUPINGS PER ASME MATERIAL
ELECTRODES, AND FILLER METALS WELDING DETAILS AND DIAGRAMS SECTION IX
PER ASME SFA5 & AWS A5

FILLER METAL TYPICAL WELD ASME A-NUMBERS

CLASSIFICATIONS JOINTS

READ READ READ

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