Can a groove preparation detailed for SMAW be used unchanged for FCAW prequalified WPSs?

When using groove preparation detailed for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) for Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs), it is permissible to use the same groove preparation without any modifications. This is due to the similarities between the two processes in terms of the welding technique and the requirements for joint preparations.

The fact that both SMAW and FCAW are capable of producing high-quality welds with similar mechanical properties allows welding procedures from one to be adapted to the other. This compatibility simplifies the qualification processes and can lead to efficiencies in project execution, as it minimizes the need for extensive changes in preparation.

While specific project conditions may influence other aspects of a welding procedure, in general, the groove preparations can transition directly from SMAW to FCAW, assuming that the rest of the WPS remains consistent with prequalified standards.