Peening is included in the WPS as which type of item?

• A. Welding variable
• B. Post weld heat treatment
• C. Cleaning
• D. Machining operation

Answer: (A)

Peening is categorized as a welding variable because it directly changes the weld’s final state by mechanically deforming the material after deposition. This post-weld treatment affects residual stresses, microstructure, and the overall performance of the weld, so it is treated as something that must be specified and controlled within the Welding Procedure Specification, just like heat input, preheat, or interpass temperature.

It isn’t a post-weld heat treatment (that would involve controlled heating to alter the metallurgy), nor is it cleaning or a machining operation. Those are different kinds of post-weld or finishing steps with separate controls, whereas peening is a controlled welding-related variable that influences weld quality and life.