What is the maximum voltage that can be used for GMAW welding without requiring procedure requalification when the specification requires a range of 35 to 45 volts?

The maximum voltage that can be used for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) without requiring procedure requalification is determined by the allowable tolerance specified in the welding procedure. Typically, there is a guideline that states the voltage can be adjusted within a certain percentage above the upper limit of the specified range without triggering the need for requalification.

In this case, the specification provides a range of 35 to 45 volts. If we consider common practice for allowable adjustments, exceeding the maximum specified voltage by a small percentage—often around 5%—is permissible without necessitating requalification. The upper limit here is 45 volts. Calculating 5% of 45 volts gives us an allowable increase of 2.25 volts, which means the maximum voltage before requalification would be around 47.25 volts.

Given the choices available, the closest option that falls under this calculated limit is 48.15 volts. This amount is still within a reasonable threshold for voltage adjustments that would typically not require a new qualification process. Thus, this voltage is acceptable for use within the established parameters of the original procedure, making it the correct answer.

Understanding these tolerances is critical in welding engineering as it ensures weld quality while allowing flexibility in operational