MAV-TEC provides code-compliant weld testing and performance qualification services for contractors and industrial projects across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
From 3G and 6G weld tests to structural and piping qualification testing, our process is built around accurate evaluation, responsive communication, and real-world welding performance.
With AWS-Certified Welding Inspectors, in-house testing capabilities and materials, and same-day reporting, MAV-TEC helps contractors reduce delays, maintain compliance, and move qualified welders into the field faster.
Passing a weld test and being truly qualified are not always the same thing.
Real qualification involves demonstrated skill, consistency, procedural understanding, and the ability to perform under real-world conditions.
At MAV-TEC, every weld test is evaluated against actual code requirements, project specifications, and performance expectations — not assumptions, opinions, shortcuts, or outside pressure.
A WPQ test verifies a welder’s ability to perform a weld according to a specific procedure and applicable construction code. In many industries, weld testing is required before a welder can enter a project or begin production work.
Contractors use welder qualification testing to help ensure welders can perform the processes, materials, and weld positions required for the application at hand.
Because different contractors and projects operate under different procedures and code requirements, weld testing is often tied directly to project-specific issued WPS documents (Welding Procedure Specifications) that define how the weld must be performed.
At MAV-TEC, testing is structured around those real-world project requirements rather than generic one-size-fits-all qualification standards.
MAV-TEC supports a wide range of weld test positions and qualification testing applications for industrial, structural, and pipe welding environments.
Testing capabilities include common qualification positions such as:
depending on contractor requirements, applicable codes, and project specifications.
A 3G weld test is performed in the vertical position and is commonly associated with structural and plate welding applications. This test evaluates a welder’s ability to maintain weld quality and procedural consistency while welding vertically under qualification conditions.
A 4G weld test is performed on an overhead plate, requiring the welder to deposit weld metal from beneath the joint while controlling heat input, puddle movement, and weld consistency against gravity.
In many structural welding applications, successful completion of both 3G and 4G qualification tests provides all-position qualification, demonstrating the welder’s ability to perform welding in flat, horizontal, and overhead positions.
A 6G weld test is one of the most demanding pipe qualification tests used in industrial welding. The pipe is fixed at a 45-degree angle, requiring the welder to work through multiple welding positions during the test itself.
Because of the skill and control required, 6G qualification testing is commonly used for pipeline, refinery, process piping, and other high-specification industrial applications.
When successfully completed, a 6G pipe qualification often provides an all-positions qualification for the welding process being tested, demonstrating the welder’s ability to perform pipe welding in a wide range of positions under the applicable code requirements.
Most testing is performed using carbon steel and stainless steel materials, with additional specialty alloy testing available for select applications.
Welder testing is structured to verify performance, procedural compliance, and weld quality throughout every stage of qualification.
Before testing begins, MAV-TEC reviews the provided WPS documentation, qualification requirements, and applicable code standards to help ensure the test is being performed correctly from the start.
Once welders arrive at the facility, they are logged into MAV-TEC’s internal tracking system and issued testing documentation used throughout the qualification process.
Testing materials, booth assignments, and setup instructions are coordinated based on the specific procedures and testing requirements involved.
During testing, welders are evaluated throughout the qualification process by AWS Certified Welding Inspectors who monitor setup, fit-up, weld progression, procedural adherence, and overall weld quality.
Inspection hold points and visual evaluations help identify defects before testing moves to the next phase.
Once the weld passes visual evaluation, instructed NDE and/or test specimens are cut from the completed weld according to applicable code requirements.
These specimens are then prepared and mechanically tested to evaluate weld integrity and performance. Bend testing and visual acceptance evaluation are most commonly used to verify the weld meets required acceptance criteria.
Depending on the governing construction code, the qualification weld may be subject to additional testing, including destructive tests such as Macro Testing, Fillet Fracture Testing, Tensile Testing, Nick Break Testing, Hardness Testing, PMI, Ultrasonic Testing, etc.
MAV-TEC provides same-day weld test results whenever possible to help contractors react quickly, rapidly mobilize personnel to the project site, and keep projects moving.
Once testing and mechanical evaluations are complete, contractors receive documented results confirming whether the welder met the applicable qualification requirements. Final certifications are typically issued the same day or by the following morning.
Accurate weld inspection is a critical part of maintaining accountability throughout the qualification process.
At MAV-TEC, weld inspection is integrated directly into weld testing workflows rather than treated as a disconnected afterthought. AWS Certified Welding Inspectors oversee evaluation stages throughout the testing process to help ensure welds meet applicable code requirements, procedural standards, and project expectations before qualification is approved.
Because in high-stakes industrial environments, small welding defects can quickly become much larger problems if they go undetected.
Contractors trust MAV-TEC because our process is built around accountability, communication, and real-world qualification standards from start to finish.
Communication delays can create major project delays.
MAV-TEC keeps contractors updated throughout the testing process with same-day communication, in-process testing status updates, and responsive reporting designed to help customers make decisions quickly and keep projects moving.
Every welder is professionally evaluated against the same standards.
Testing decisions are based on code requirements, demonstrated proficiency, and procedural compliance — not outside pressure, favoritism, or rushed evaluations.
Welder qualification often affects project schedules directly.
MAV-TEC’s workflows are structured to provide same-day results whenever possible, helping reduce downtime, mobilization delays, and scheduling disruptions for contractors and operations.
Our team understands the environments these welders are qualifying to work in.
MAV-TEC’s staff has extensive experience supporting industrial, process piping, pipeline, structural, and fabrication-related applications to help ensure testing reflects the realities of the field — not just laboratory theory and best case controlled scenarios.
MAV-TEC manufactures a multitude of testing materials in-house, this helps improve quality, consistency, availability, and quality control throughout the qualification process.
Machine-cut and machine-beveled coupons help support more accurate fit-up, repeatability, and code-conscious testing conditions.
Whether you need a welding certification test, pipe qualification testing, weld inspection support, or contractor-specific qualification workflows, MAV-TEC provides the technical oversight and responsive communication needed to help keep projects moving.
Our team works with contractors, fabrication companies, industrial operations, and testing facilities across multiple industries to deliver accurate, code-compliant qualification services backed by integrity and accountability.
When qualification matters, consistency matters. And when consistency matters, integrity matters too.
