Professional welders know a good weld when they see one. They also know that there are some obvious reasons as to why good weld beads are ground once finished, such as better appearance, proper joint fit, or paint prep just to name a few. But great grinding takes time, precision, and a lot of hard work.

These three grinding tools will help you finish the job smoothly and easily.

Fumes generated during welding processes destroy air quality if not properly controlled. Dust collection systems need to be designed for the specific types of metals being welded and the regulations for permissible exposure limits and minimize hazards.

AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs), especially those who travel to different job sites and shops, are often inundated with slang terminology and nonstandard terms for welds, welders, power sources, welding equipment, and many others.

Discover how augmented reality training solutions are revolutionizing the welding industry, inspiring the next generation of skilled welders, and transforming careers.

From vests and gloves to helmets and earmuffs, these four new personal protective equipment (PPE) products are designed to keep you safe on the job.

The Inspection Exposition and Conference (IEC), will bring experts from the American Welding Society (AWS), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and Nondestructive Testing Management Association (NDTMA), together in Austin, TX, from November 8-10, 2023.

Note to readers: This article is a continuation of Welding Digest’s previously published article (https://weldingdigest.aws.org/blog/how-to-pass-a-weld-test). Matt Scott answered some more questions in relation to passing a weld test.

Miami, FL, August 24, 2023: AWS and the welding community mourn the sudden passing of 2023 AWS President Dennis K. Eck.

If you’re attending FABTECH 2023 in Chicago, Ill., on September 11–14, you probably already know that the Chicagoland area one of the largest and most important transportation hubs in the entire United States.

This article summarizes the three presentations delivered during the AWS Women in Welding Virtual Conference 2023: Automation in Manufacturing held on March 16.

Is the hype around Augmented Reality Welding Systems justified? Let’s explore the facts and find the right balance for next-level training and inspiring future welders.

The welding gun is a vital piece of equipment in a robotic welding system, serving as the conduit for the welding wire, gas, and power. However, it can sometimes be an afterthought when companies implement an automated welding solution. Unfortunately, this oversight can lead to a host of problems, not to mention frustration. That is especially true for first-time users making the investment.

Following the requirements of codes and standards can save you significant dollars, create margin, and provide your firm with a quality reputation.

FABTECH returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place from September 11-14, 2023, and the American Welding Society is gearing up for a week of educational opportunities, must-attend education events, and promotions only found on the show floor.

The modern welding control system is designed to be sustainable, highly efficient, and Industry 4.0-capable. Ideally, it will have a long life as well. Bosch Rexroth resistance spot welding controls have long been much more than just a piece of hardware; they are being guided into the future with software solutions that can be configured as needed. At the same time, services support the entire product life cycle. This results in welding process optimizations that lead to quality improvements, shorter cycle times, and economic advantages.

The skilled welder shortage is a global problem, but two companies overcame skepticism and embraced automation and robotics to bridge the gap between the number of welders needed and the number of available qualified welders.

Demonstrations and displays will include welding cobots, next-generation heavy industrial systems, pulsed MIG, TIG aluminum, new welding software, automated plasma cutting, portable welders, and much more. 

Presented by the Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance (RWMA)

There are many different career avenues a welder or welding inspector can take: aerospace, food, sanitation, water treatment, oil and gas, automotive, bridges, skyscrapers . . . the list is endless. However, no matter which path an individual chooses, I have found there is one trait that should not be ignored: patience.

Although Rachel Blankenship is just getting started in her welding engineering career, she has already reaped the benefits of being an AWS member.

A step-by-step approach to the OSHA Hierarchy of Controls and defending against respiratory violations.

Fracture critical materials, welds, and applications; related special testing; and personnel qualification and certification are discussed.

AWS is excited to spotlight a range of opportunities for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and career development this summer. Whether they’re an instructor seeking support, a young professional looking to gain exposure to leadership opportunities, or a seasoned professional looking to enrich their knowledge, AWS has a host of options to help make this summer their most powerful yet.

Hobart Institute of Welding Technology (HIWT), Troy, Ohio, a career college specializing in short-term programs, held an open house for its Welcome Center and renovated facilities on May 18. The center is dedicated to welding education, welding career pathways, and college life. It also offers a glimpse into welding history, students’ future, and industry offerings. 9600 sq ft of space was renovated for the new facilities.

Controlling the fumes generated during welding processes protects employee well-being and improves operational efficiency. Choosing and designing an appropriate fume collection system requires considering the types of metals being welded and the regulations to comply with permissible exposure limits and minimize fire and explosion hazards. An efficient fume collection system captures dust at the source and is sized correctly for the process and materials being welded.

You can make sure you are following the best preventative measures when working with the GMAW process by following the procedures outlined in this article.

Many factors must be considered when choosing a semitransparent welding screen or curtain for protecting workers near the welding operation from harmful UV and blue light radiation. Here are some tips on how to choose the right one.

Join us at Welding Summit, August 16-18, 2023, at The Woodlands Resort, Texas, where the best and the brightest in the industry will gather in one place for world-class networking opportunities and presentations.

Hypertherm Associates, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software, is gearing up for FABTECH 2023, North America's largest exhibition for fabricating, welding, and finishing. The company's Hypertherm® plasma and OMAX® waterjet cutting technology brands will welcome visitors from two halls at Chicago's McCormick Place from September 11 to 14.

Laser technology and the automotive industry have gone hand in hand for a very long time.

From cutting machines and tables to saws and flap wheels, the following highlights some of the newest tools in the metal cutting industry.

It is imperative for those of us in the skilled trades to demonstrate our love for our craft and inspire the next generation of builders and makers.

Oxyacetylene cutting (OFC-A) was one of the first successful cutting processes that used a flame produced by the chemical combustion of acetylene and oxygen.

To further conservation efforts in Madagascar, the Saint Louis Zoo Facilities Management Division is collaborating with the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (Parc Ivoloina) in September 2023.

Use these three key steps when selecting your oxy-fuel torch.

Learn how to comply with the requirements of ASME Section IX, Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications during the How to Use ASME Section IX Conference

Hypertherm Associates, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software, announced the latest version of its offline programming software with the launch of Robotmaster^® 2024.

The multi-year partnership kicked off today with a donation event featuring X Games legend Ronnie Renner.

Staying ahead of weld fume regulations and ensuring your workplace is in compliance is crucial. The latest fume extraction system from Miller® – FILTAIR® 215 – can help your operation stay ahead of the curve and keep your workplace running smoothly.

Lewis and Clark Community Coll­ege (L&C) in Godfrey, Ill., is using augmented technology to maximize learning, facilitate instruction, and reduce costs.

Instructors at Tulsa Welding School in Tulsa, Okla., designed the Professional Welder program to address the anticipated coming shortfall in welding professionals by providing students with the skills needed to successfully enter the workforce.

Thinking of ways to support and celebrate National Welding Month this April? There are practical things we can all do to both support the industry and keep it growing.

Sixteen years ago, I walked into a damp and dark warehouse where I was introduced to welding education. The Nixon-era warehouse was the now-defunct Center of Industry and Technology (CIT). After looking at CIT’s facilities, lack of business plan, and overall experience, it didn’t take long to deduce why the school only had a handful of students enrolled in the welding program 25 years after its inception.

While we often see virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) used for gaming, entertainment, and other commercial ventures, these technologies also have great potential for welder training.

Why CWIs should regularly attend preconstruction meetings to improve quality

Since 1996, the American Welding Society has designated the month of April as National Welding Month to bring awareness to the welding industry and its available career paths. Welding careers are integral to keeping people safe and advancing the quality of life across the globe, yet participation in welding and other skilled trades continues to decrease. To celebrate our vast and diverse welding community, events for National Welding Month 2023 will revolve around this year’s theme, “Be Part of the Future of Welding.”

The American Welding Society is excited to announce the return of the International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC) on April 15-17, 2024, to Charleston, South Carolina.

From saws and torch tips to patch systems and spill guards, these four innovative products are designed for professionals who work with piping and tubing.

Brett Camacho, a welding instructor at Fresno City College, Fresno, Calif., won the first Lincoln Electric Education Partner Schools (LEEPS) Instructor of the Year Award.

Pipe and tube welding products exist in service in a variety of forms, from simple, straightforward strings of piping to large, complex systems with joined components.

In the 90s, the high-purity and ultrahigh-purity industries went through a boom and were then transformed by outsourcing. Now, we’re trying to reclaim the industry domestically.

Incorporating special welder test requirements at the beginning of projects could have significant advantages.

We are pleased to announce that keynote sessions and speaker lineup has been announced for the AWS Welding Summit, taking place in The Woodlands, TX, from August 16 - 18.

Quality shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and submerged arc welding (SAW) welds typically start with using a quality consumable. For both of these commonly-used processes, choosing the right consumable for the application is key.

Training the next generation of welders begins with you – and Miller® is here to help. 

When proper cleaning and part preparation of dirty or coated materials prior to welding isn’t possible, choosing the right filler metal for the base material conditions can help address quality issues and improve results. 

Matt Scott (right), welding instructor and department chair at Portland Community College (PCC), discusses the finer points of fitup with PCC welding student Vanntha Mao.

The American Welding Society (AWS) is pleased to announce the induction of its new president, Dennis K Eck. Mr. Eck has been in the welding supply industry more than 40 years and has been active as a member and leader in the AWS Houston section and District 18 for 35 years. Elected to serve as Vice President of AWS from 2018 to 2022, Eck will be inducted as president on February 24, 2023, and serve for the next year.

There are many reasons you should apply to join the new G2F Subcommittee on Tool Steel Alloys to develop AWS/NADCA G2.6M/G2.6, Guide for the Welding and DED Additive Manufacturing (AM) of Tool Steels Exposed to High Temperatures. 

These newly released abrasives can help you prepare surfaces, repair bad welds, and improve the appearance of finished welds.  

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation, Bechtel Group Foundation, and Miller Electric Mfg. LLC have partnered to bring the welding experience back to high school with the Light a Spark Grant.

The differences and similarities between these two terms are explained

On August 27, 2022, Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky gave the command to Big Blue crane operator Charlie Holloway to lower the Enterprise (CVN 80) ceremonial keel unit into dry dock number 12 at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), Newport News, Va., a division of HII. 

From welding wires to shielding gases, these newly released consumables are reducing downtime and production costs.  

Stay informed, connected, trained, certified, and challenged. AWS offers a wide range of industry events that support your business needs and keep your team members at the top of their game.

Each generation is different in important ways, but we can work to close the widening generational gap in the welding industry and revitalize the working relationships that are in critical need of repair. 

Additive manufacturing technology, or 3D metal printing using layers of welds, enabled Newport News Shipbuilding to stay on schedule with construction of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80) for the U.S. Navy. 

Arc thermal spray, also known as twin wire arc spray, is one of the older and simpler forms of thermal spray coating. Thermal spray technology has come a long way, from spraying basic metals and simple alloys to, now, spraying extremely hard ceramics and carbides. These advances don’t mean arc thermal spray is any less valuable. Thermal spray certainly isn’t the cure-all for everything, but each process has a specific fit in the coating world. Among many things, twin wire arc thermal spray is great for dimensional restoration, sacrificial corrosion coatings, custom alloy coatings, and bearing surfaces. Arc spraying is also fast and economical, which can translate into faster turnaround and better margins. 

The AWS D8 Committee on Automotive Welding is responsible for the development of AWS standards on all aspects of welding in the automotive industry.

Regardless of how they’re used, all aerospace vehicles are manufactured and repaired according to specifications. Manufacturers and tiered suppliers have stringent requirements that govern their processes to ensure components meet the end requirements.

Started in 2019, AWS’s Future Leaders program aims to promote the involvement of early career members. Brandy Killeen and Robert Watson reflected on what the experience was like for them in 2022. 

From welding and cutting machines to educational books and workplace safety equipment, these new products are supporting the marine construction and shipbuilding industries.

Leaders will need to rise above, offering mentorship that includes valuable interpersonal skills training, the ability to handle conflict, teamwork, listening, and more.

Today’s welding helmet technologies continue to evolve, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and how they can make a difference in your welding operations.

Welding student Mason Blaine performs a fillet weld on a T-joint while welding instructor Brian Wall watches his in-process bead placement. Pictures by Jodi Glass.

For construction contractors and steel erectors searching for ways to offset project slowdowns and labor challenges, paying attention to the following four tips on welding operations can help improve efficiency and performance on the jobsite.

Keeping railways safe and running efficiently has always been vital. What’s new are the welding and refurbishment methods by which this is being achieved.

Fabricating a project that uses more than 1500 tons of steel or welding 60-ft joints on beams and trusses for some of the largest buildings in New York City may seem stressful. Yet to the guys at Orange County Ironworks (OCI), that’s just an average day. Working in tandem with its sister company, Gabriel Steel Erectors, OCI is one of the biggest players in the city for the fabrication and erection of structural steel on both new structures and retrofits of existing buildings.

Use of augmented reality is being used more and more in training programs across a variety of industries. With any newer technology, there is often a lack of familiarity to overcome, and augmented reality is no exception.

RWMA brings back The Emmett A. Craig RWMA Resistance Welding School in Birmingham, Ala., to offer training and cover the fundamentals of resistance welding.

From automated work cells to soft-metal grinding wheels, these newly released products are facilitating the fabrication of metal parts for the aerospace industry.

Throughout my nine years in the welding industry, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the world of teaching. I’ve learned a lot, and I’d like to share my experiences with you.

Building the Future of Welding with Miller® MobileArc™

“I have never heard of a welding engineer. What is a welding engineer?” That is a common response I have heard throughout my career.

The Red Bench Women’s Workshop Corp. offers a space for women and gender-diverse people to learn and practice welding and metalworking skills.

Redefine your capture zone with exclusive Miller® ZoneFlow™  Technology – a weld fume capture distance that’s up to five-feet from the arc – compared to traditional systems that require the hood to be placed within 12-18 inches from the arc for effective fume capture. 

With the demand for skilled workers growing and the labor market tightening, employers across multiple industries are seeking new ways to build and retain their workforces. With the help of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, presented by the American Welding Society (AWS), employers and education institutions can take workforce training into their own hands.

FABTECH 2022 is back in Atlanta, Ga., the state that is widely becoming known as the “Hollywood of the South.’’ The entertainment and arts scene in Atlanta has exploded as the go-to location in the world.

This year, make FABTECH yours. With so many American Welding Society events, plan your show schedule to make the most out of our booths, including our educational and special events.

As any instructor can confirm, classroom materials don’t come cheap and can quickly add up in price. But what if you could save up to 60% on consumable costs per semester?

The 2022 Pipeline Welding Conference was held September 13–14 at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, La. The event centered around the significant role welding plays in pipeline construction.

Changes driven by rapid innovation in 3D printing (3DP) technologies are afoot. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) has allowed an impressive list of metals to be built with additive manufacturing.

The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program will fund more than $368 million to 46 projects in 32 states and the District of Columbia.

FABTECH returns to the Georgia World Congress Center from November 8 - 10, 2022, and the American Welding Society is pleased to announce its plans for the event.

The additive manufacturing (AM) industry has been gaining headway with improved deposition rates, digitalization, and new facilities. Below is a summary of AM news from Sciaky Inc., the BMW Group, United Performance Metals, and Velo3D Inc.

The AWS D20 Committee on Additive Manufacturing met at AWS Headquarters to discuss a new American national standard. D20 Chair Bill Mohr (middle, in a white shirt) leads the discussion. Also pictured are (clockwise from Mohr) Co-chair Caroline Vail, Edward Peterson, Peter Daum, Teresa Melfi, Evan Handler, Andrzej Nycz, Jade Lee, and Daniel Urban.

These newly released products are making additive manufacturing of metal parts a more affordable and viable option.

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is a growing field that builds on the knowledge of metal and alloy welding behaviors. AM creates new material by fusing metal feedstock layer by layer using a computer-controlled heating plan.

Advanced high-definition optics for the most realistic view that’s clearer and brighter – before, during and after every weld.

The AWS Foundation is dedicated to increasing the welding workforce by providing grant funding to secondary, post-secondary and welder training facilities that seek to enhance and improve their welding education programs. Grant funding of up to $25,000 per location is awarded for facilities to make improvements, invest in capital items such as welding or metalworking equipment, or purchase/upgrade computers or computer-based training systems.

The American Welding Society (AWS) proudly introduces the Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement, developed for existing Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) who want to conduct Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) qualifications. 

Welding crafts are great decorative items. They’re durable, unique, and a conversation piece for your home. You can even give these handmade gifts to your friends and loved ones. Shanen L. Aranmór, founder and chief wellness welder of Weld Like a Girl^TM, Yuma, Ariz., created a fun taco project designed for summer camp welding classes at AstroCamp in Idyllwild, Calif. And who doesn’t like tacos? Here, she offers her expertise on how to weld these decorative and unique tacos with a taco stand.

What if someone told you it is possible to capture welding data for each weld joint on a particular structure? You can see everything from amperage and voltage information to data that show specifications have been met. Sounds too good to be true, right? It’s happening and helping manufacturers in the military, offshore and onshore wind, shipbuilding, nuclear, and more industries prove they’ve welded structures to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications and streamline approval processes.

Welding is a dynamic industry with endless learning opportunities. And no matter where you are in your career, AWS Education offers comprehensive training resources that light the way toward your next goal.

Misconceptions about welder certification terms and definitions are discussed

Augmented reality has recently taken the forefront and is being used more and more in training programs across a variety of industries. The initial reaction is often the same: Isn’t it just a fancy toy?

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is not commonly used in robotics because the process is erroneously believed to be too slow or complicated for robotics. But technological advances are changing that.

These newly released products are helping users automate welding and cutting processes for improved safety, higher production rates, and enhanced quality.

Q: I weld nuts to hot-stamped parts and am having difficulty getting consistent results. This includes parts where the nuts appear welded to the part, but sometimes pop off in transit to our customer. We also get inconsistent push-out test results. How come? I have asked this question many times and have gotten many different answers.

Q: I weld nuts to hot-stamped parts and am having difficulty getting consistent results. This includes parts where the nuts appear welded to the part, but sometimes pop off in transit to our customer. We also get inconsistent push-out test results. How come? I have asked this question many times and have gotten many different answers.

Welding on the farm has a long tradition, and sometimes it’s all that keeps things moving. But farm welding brings its own challenges. Sometimes repairs need to be made where power isn’t available. Farming equipment and machines aren’t all made from the same metal. And let’s face it, farms come with dirt and, well, more than dirt. Neither mix well with welding.

An outdoor barbecue grill is a great project for beginner welders. It’s practical and the materials aren’t very pricey. Here are instructions on how to fabricate your own open-framed BBQ pit.

After a three-year hiatus, AWS will host the Welding Summit from August 25 to 26 at The Woodlands Resort, The Woodlands, Tex. Industry experts will explore key issues affecting the welding industry.

Standards are paramount to the infrastructure that makes up our modern civilization. And at the heart of these standards are technical committees, steering the propulsion for innovation through all the processes of the welding industry.

AWS Standards Committees consist of over 1,800 volunteers, 200 committees, tasks groups, and 13 AWS staff. Together, they develop standards and other technical publications to serve the ever-changing welding industry.

AWS is the leader in developing codes and standards that ensure consistency and quality across products, processes, and industries. But, what are Standards and Codes, and how are they developed?

The AWS Foundation’s Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit is gearing up to hit the road for its 2022 tour. Since 2011, the Careers in Welding Trailer has been a driving force for welding education and career development. The trailer's first stop of the season is at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming, from July 28-31, 2022.

The American Welding Society announced the release of Lean Management for Welding Productivity, a new online course aiming to identify and mitigate waste appropriately to help businesses reevaluate their approach to production to suit demand.

Welding is a key ingredient in an ever-advancing manufacturing system for building products used in agriculture and other industries. Sharing, reproducing, and building upon ideas and concepts are key parts of this system.

After a three-year hiatus, AWS will host the Welding Summit from August 25 to 26 at The Woodlands Resort, The Woodlands, Tex. Industry experts will explore key issues affecting the welding industry.

Q: I have three different welding machines in my plant along with several robotic transguns. A couple of my machines are 50-kVA press machines and my transguns are 100 kVA. Why can my 50-kVA machines produce up to 35-kA secondary current, but my transguns only go as high as 18–20 kA?

Selecting the right safety equipment and garments is essential. This article discusses the critical factors when choosing personal protective equipment (PPE).

In a manufacturing environment, safety isn’t covered by a one-time seminar or meeting. Here are some tips for safe use of abrasive products and why safety is critical for the operator’s well-being and productivity.

Developing classroom curriculum and finding resources can be time-consuming. With Miller® AugmentedArc® Augmented Reality Welding System, you can save prep time and focus on teaching.

Despite the challenges created by the Omicron variant of COVID-19, AWS continued to recover from the effects of the pandemic and experienced favorable revenue growth and surplus growth for 2021.

The Welding Qualification Workshop — Best Practices 2022 event was held at the Miller Electric® facility in Houston, Tex., on April 11–13. I organized the event. Thirty-one students were in attendance.

On March 29, professionals from throughout the United States gathered in front of their computers for the AWS Women in Welding: Design in the Workplace virtual conference. 

COVID-19’s impact on the supply chain has opened everyone’s eyes to the importance of smoothly running global commerce and logistics. 

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is one of the most-used welding processes in the world. Advancements in GMAW-related equipment, such as the ones highlighted here, keep it at the forefront of welding technology. 

Jordan Packer will represent the United States as the sole welding competitor at the 2022 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, after taking second place at the USA Final Weld-Off.

The Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance’s (RWMA’s) 2022 virtual meeting was recently held, bringing together its members.

Samantha Marasigan, 38, will graduate this June with four automotive certificates and three welding certificates from San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE). 

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software is excited to announce the recipients of its 2022 Spark Something Great educational grant. 12 programs were selected from a pool of 110 applications, representing public schools, vocational schools, and colleges from throughout the United States and Canada. This year’s recipients are:

ESAB Corporation (NYSE: ESAB) announced today the launch of InduSuite (InduSuite.com), a brand-agnostic portfolio of software applications that revolutionizes workflow, quality, and business performance, to help fabricators and manufacturers improve operational efficiency. InduSuite offers three key benefits for mixed fleet customers: simplicity for accessing data and documents with an easy-to-use interface; real-time insight into performance, traceability, and workforce accountability; and an unprecedented level of control over metal fabrication operations.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity of $3.4 million for up to nine grants to attract and keep women in Registered Apprenticeship Programs and industries where they are underrepresented such as manufacturing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

The American Welding Society is pleased to announce the Welding Summit, taking place August 25-26, 2022, in The Woodlands, Texas. The Welding Summit comprises two days of presentations, demonstrations, and exhibits where the industry comes together to discuss, dissect, and educate on key issues affecting the welding industry.

Columbus State Community College (CSCC) in Columbus, Ohio, has developed a welding education platform that uses weld data capturing and video imaging technologies to train students in manual welding processes. 

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a long shadow over the world, and education in particular. To overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, many welding programs have turned to e-learning in the last two years. 

Four educational products that can be used in the welding classroom or in the field.

StrataTech Education Group will provide $1 million in scholarships for skilled trade workers, Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is renovating its Welcome Center, and NASCAR Technical Institute has a new welding technology training program.

ASNT’s Industry Sector Qualification - Oil & Gas (ISQ-O&G) program is an advanced practical qualification exam without the full program cost. The purpose of the ISQ program is to provide the oil and gas industry with NDT personnel who have demonstrated competency in practical application of a specific technique through hands-on performance demonstration qualification examinations.

Since 1996, the American Welding Society (AWS) has designated April as National Welding Month. To celebrate our vast, diverse community and bring awareness to the industry, we have a variety of events planned.

With the vast majority of energy harnessed and consumed in the United States still coming from fossil fuels, Strobel Companies primarily support the growth and distribution of liquid energy. Welding is key to its operations.

As welding professionals, we’re fortunate to have rewarding careers. But many people don’t know about the vast number of options in our wide-ranging trade. You can help them discover those possibilities.

To highlight unique careers and companies in the welding and metal fabrication industries, the American Welding Society launches Metal America, a new video series streaming exclusively on YouTube.

Attracting and proficiently training welding students on a limited budget can be challenging, which is why Miller® developed MobileArc™ – an Augmented Reality Welding System that offers a convenient option that fits most budgets. Its highly-realistic, portable, and intuitive design is simple enough for students to self-learn so instructors can maximize efficiency in the classroom.

Several different wire feeding methods can be used when narrow-groove-gas-metal-arc-welding heavy-section materials that have nearly square butt configurations and minimal groove widths of approximately 13 mm (½ in.).

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation is partnering with Vectis Automation to raise funds for scholarships to support welding students. In honor of National Welding Month, Vectis Automation will donate a percentage of each system sale during the month of April to the AWS Foundation.

After 137 years, resistance welding continues to be a tried-and-true process. Thanks to advancements and new equipment, such as the ones included here, resistance welding continues to be at the forefront of many industries.

Consuelo P. Lockhart, founder and executive director of the Latinas Welding Guild Inc., discusses her welding beginnings and the path she took to becoming an artist, a welder, and a welding advocate.

The American Welding Society (AWS) is pleased to announce the continued “Weld Wednesdays” partnership on the Arc Junkies podcast with host, Jason Becker. Since 2021, on the first Wednesday of each month, AWS Subject Matter Experts and Becker tackle a variety of welding-related topics such as Putting your VA Benefits to Work for You, Changes to the D1.1:2020 Structural Welding Code, AWS Codes and Standards, and more.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has launched its RobustFeed Pro Connect communication module so that users of competitive welders can increase performance and uptime by connecting to ESAB’s RobustFeed Pro portable wire feeder. RobustFeed Pro Connect works with Lincoln CV, Invertec V350 and Flextec 650 power sources and Miller Dimension and XMT models.

The birth of resistance welding (RW) goes back to the 19th century. Here, Don DeCorte, an American Welding Society (AWS) member for 42 years, shares stories and his thoughts about RW’s colorful history.

Stress-corrosion cracking occurs when cracks link corrosion pits, causing multiple cracks in all orientations in the base material of pressure vessels, pipes, and storage tanks.

The $100,000 first-place prize in the Project MFG™ 2022 Integrated Manufacturing National Championship, a competition for students in career and technical training programs, will be awarded at the four-team final round in May.

From robot kits to solder paste, this piece offers something for both the hobbyist and professional solderer.

Resistance welding (RW) is a thermo-electric welding process in which the weld is made by a combination of pressure and current. The process involves the joining of metals by applying controlled pressure and passing current through the metal area to be joined. There are several different forms of RW (e.g., spot, seam, projection, single-sided, bonding, cross wire, micro, flash, and upset welding) that differ primarily by the types and shapes of weld electrodes used to apply the pressure and conduct the current.

Tube fabricators in the automotive industry must detect surface-related issues such as mismatch, insufficient and excessive scarfing, and hairlike scratches. The only way to do this is with a laser-based surface inspection system.

Resistance welding (RW) may not generate the volume of fumes created by gas metal arc or shielded metal arc welding, but capturing what’s produced during this process must still take place.

Are you an author with materials joining technology and processes research to share with the world? Submit your abstract to be considered for presentation during the American Welding Society (AWS) Professional Program held November 8-10, 2022, at FABTECH in Atlanta, GA.

In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that ripped through Kentucky and several other states on December 10, one of the critical needs was to haul away massive amounts of debris and get businesses back up and running. To help these efforts, Harris Products Group came together with its distributor Airgas, an Air Liquide company, to quickly supply oxy-fuel torches and tips to several companies in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software recently introduced PlateSaver™, a new SureCut™ technology that automatically maximizes the number of parts on a plate for more profit per plate.

Welding automation technology can help junior welders perform more-challenging welds previously only performed by senior welders while also allowing senior welders to broaden and extend their careers.

Devoted members of the American Welding Society’s (AWS’s) Detroit Section, enthused registrants, and volunteers alike were thrilled to be together again at the Sheet Metal Welding Conference (SMWC) XIX held Nov. 2–4, 2021, at Laurel Manor, Livonia, Mich.

The American Welding Society (AWS) has a selection of standard welding procedure specifications (SWPSs) that can be used without qualification testing. But only one is for aluminum.

In January 1922, the American Welding Society (AWS) published the Proceedings of the American Welding Society, which over the years has been transformed into what is now the Welding Journal. This month, the Welding Journal celebrates its 100th year of continuous publication. Readers can look forward to an honorary column that will celebrate the past of our flagship magazine, a special 100-year anniversary issue in April, and more announcements to come.

Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software,  announced its 2030 environmental sustainability goals, a set of four objectives the company will work to achieve this decade. The goals are designed to reduce Hypertherm’s use of resources, the carbon impact of its global operations, and address the impact caused by Hypertherm products in use.

Olympus recently donated OmniScan™ flaw detection equipment to LeTourneau University to support the next generation of nondestructive testing (NDT) inspectors. Olympus phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) specialists Curtis Dickinson and Rob Frashefski traveled to the campus in Longview, Texas to offer students in-person instruction.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products recently announced that all HKS brand equipment, which includes the flagship WeldQAS Quality Assurance System for real-time monitoring and recording of arc characteristics, have been rebranded as ESAB products. HKS Prozesstechnik GmbH was founded in 1994 in Halle, Germany. ESAB acquired HKS in 2017 to reinforce the company’s strategic focus on automated welding and grow its suite of ESAB Digital Solutions.

Power tools and their batteries are rugged instruments designed to perform tough jobs, but they still require care to maintain safe, optimum performance. There are steps users can take to extend tool and battery life, and help keep power tools operating at peak performance for a longer life cycle.

Learn why these three pipe and tube products are a cut above the rest.

Invigorated by a USA Luge silver medal World Cup team relay win in November 2021, and well poised with a range of planned activities, Saint-Gobain Abrasives, one of the world’s largest abrasives manufacturers and primary sponsor of the USA Luge Team, is prepared for an exciting competition at the Games in Beijing next month. As Norton | Saint-Gobain celebrates this year the 40^th anniversary of its partnership with the USA Luge Team, a scope of activities sponsored by Norton are slated to take place. Planned events include twenty “company watch parties” that will take place during the games, an Adopt-a-Luge athlete program, and a Luge Challenge event at a New England ski area.

Hampered by aging robotics and facing production challenges, a small company in Germany overcame its obstacles with newer, more-advanced technology.

The AWS Foundation is dedicated to increasing the welding workforce by providing grant funding to secondary, post-secondary and welder training facilities that seek to enhance and improve their welding education programs. Grant funding of up to $25,000 per location is awarded for facilities to make improvements, invest in capital items such as welding or metalworking equipment, or purchase/upgrade computers or computer-based training systems.

An industrial robot can achieve more than three million aluminum arc starts per week using a push-only wire feed system. But while technology has improved the reliability of such systems, some proven tips should be followed.

Computer numerical control (CNC) machines play an essential part in countless manufacturing applications. They build these machines for processing a variety of materials, such as metal and plastic, and shape them into the required forms. Advanced technologies have also enabled CNC machines to become more powerful by featuring more axes for greater precision and enhancing operational efficiency. As CNC machines continue to evolve, they require more complicated components, faster operating speed, and greater attention to the machines’ operation status to avoid system downtime.

Companies and welders are always looking for ways to improve their efficiency and ability to tackle difficult jobs. These new automation products will help make the most of a company’s uptime.

In 2011, facing a dearth of experienced pressure vessel welders, Enerflex a global oil and natural gas manufacturing and services supplier, embarked on a crucial automation project. The result: enhanced productivity and safety.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining popularity among fabricators for a wide variety of reasons, but the limits of what it can achieve have not nearly been achieved, making its future very promising.

3M Xtract™: Sanding, reimagined.

A discussion about additional certifications that enhance the CWI credential to broaden the inspection career.

ELCo Enterprises Inc. — a Michigan-based provider of welding wire products, torches, and cell support equipment — has always prided itself on supporting veterans in any way it can. The company was founded by a veteran, employs veterans, honors those who served, and has benefited from its association with the armed forces.

Multipass welding increases critical weld strength in applications where failure could be catastrophic, including heavy-duty structural fabrication and pipelines and pressure vessel fabrication. Proper preparation and cleaning are critical for attaining quality welds.

Learn about handheld tools and automated systems that can help you cut, shape, and remove material fast and efficiently.

On October 4–6, the brazing and soldering industry gathered in Denver, Colo., to share research, innovations, and fellowship at the 2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC). 

If you're new to the inspection world or just looking to become a better inspector, you have a unique opportunity to make connections, gain knowledge that can boost your career, and keep your inspections business on the cutting edge during the Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC), taking place February 23-25, 2022, in beautiful Fort Worth, Texas.

Welding metallurgy is a critical component in infrastructure projects, but it’s often not completely understood among certain communities. With greater knowledge of welding processes and techniques, design-build teams may save money, reduce project liability, and improve profitability.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted the manufacturing and industrial landscape in the United States. As we emerge from it, the shortages and supply chain shocks prevalent in its early stages have generated renewed federal interest in reshoring manufacturing capabilities. New processing and control tools will impact much of the landscape that will arise from this planned reinvestment. Significant enhancements in computing power have driven the development of many advanced manufacturing routes enabled by machine learning, artificial intelligence, mechanistic modeling, and process automation.

Linde announced that its U.S. welding, industrial, medical and specialty gas distribution business, Praxair Distribution Inc., legally changed its name to Linde Gas & Equipment Inc., effective October 11. At the same time, Linde Gas North America LLC merged into the new company. The change capitalizes on the strength of the Linde name and aligns with the One Linde philosophy adopted when Linde AG and Praxair, Inc. merged in October 2018.

Welders depend on a multitude of tools to achieve their jobs, but the most important of these tools is personal protective equipment (PPE). Ranging from respirators to flame-resistant clothing, these new PPE can safeguard welders against the hazards present in the workplace.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many have reflected on the ways in which COVID-19 has completely changed the way companies do business as well as their workflow processes.

The pandemic has uprooted day-to-day routines and affected the ability of companies, large and small, to operate effectively. Businesses have had to adjust on the fly, shifting to remote work and streamlining their processes to stay afloat. But beyond profit and job losses, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of domestic manufacturing, revealing the warning signs of what might happen should it not receive proper funding.

An inside glance at what it takes to make these intricate samples.

Even experienced operators make mistakes that can impact cut quality and consumable life. Many of the most common plasma-cutting and consumable issues can be avoided altogether by following the eight tips outlined in this article.

Dynetics Technical Solutions, Huntsville, Ala., is claiming to operate the largest electron beam welding system in the Western Hemisphere that enables its partners in the aerospace, defense, and commercial industries to manufacture with speed, scale, and quality.

The 2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC) Conference will take place October 3–6 in Denver, Colo., as an in-person event.

The second American Welding Society (AWS) Women in Welding Conference was held virtually and focused on welding engineering.

High school welding apprentices at John Deere’s Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois, facilities got a surprise this summer. In addition to learning pulse welding, laying the perfect bead, and mastering weld sizes, Deere required their apprentices to take a communications course through a partnership with Iowa State University’s (ISU) English Department. Apprentice Ana Burke welding. 

On October 21, 2021, the American Welding Society is hosting "Tipos de Inspecciones para Soldadura Estructural," the first-ever Spanish-language AWS conference.

A significant value stream can be achieved by recovering brazed components after their life cycle.

With the Netflix premiere of the Metal Shop Masters series on September 10, welding and cutting now have a spotlight in mainstream entertainment programming.

IPG adds unique laser cleaning capabilities to the LightWELD handheld welder to provide fabricators better weld quality and simplified part finishing.

A review of product codes, standards, and personnel certification programs related to welding inspection in this challenging geographical area.

Newly released products for the brazing and soldering industry.

The evolution of electronics and devices must keep pace to meet today’s operator challenges. As technology in the electronics industry rapidly advances, electronic devices are getting smaller, faster, and more functional. Advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs) are now double-sided with stacked multiple layers. Thus, they are far more complex than conventional PCB designs and contain more components in tighter spaces, creating high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB configurations.

The advantages of using grinding wheels are widely known. However, when grinding wheels that spin at thousands of revolutions per minute (RPM) are damaged or misused, they can break into bullet-like fragments, leading to injury. Grinding safety is a vast subject, with seemingly limitless tips, but the following offers just a few key guidelines to keep top of mind.

The American Welding Society is gearing up for FABTECH 2021. And with all the AWS events taking place during the show, we invite you to start planning your FABTECH schedule to make the most out of our booths, networking events, and much more.

Electrogas welding is an arc welding process that uses an arc between a continuous filler metal electrode and the weld pool. Continue reading this article to learn much more, including advantages and limitations.

Dive into the latest naval news making waves — from contracts for the manufacture of naval nuclear reactor components and fuel to a dive tank for multiple subsea applications — and so much more.

As the world of welding, manufacturing, and fabrication continues to evolve and become more competitive, the success of any organization often hinges on the strength of its salesforce. As part of a continuing effort to create resources and training opportunities for our industry, the American Welding Society (AWS) launched "Solution Selling for Welding," an online course designed to help develop highly knowledgeable and effective sales personnel.

Transfer modes for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) play an important role in the level of quality and productivity that can be gained in a welding operation.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) welcomed more than 1400 registrants from around the world to the 19^th annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) symposium. 2021 marked the symposium’s first virtual event.

As a welding instructor, I have often dreamt about opening my own welder training facility but have always looked at it as an unobtainable dream. I can’t even begin to imagine how would I prepare myself to make my very own school a reality. With this in mind, I thought I would love to talk to someone with first-hand experience — so I asked Scott Raabe, who recently did the very thing I find so unobtainable in starting Precision Welding Academy, Katy, Tex. He gave me a glimpse into his teaching styles and what it takes to open a training facility.

Cunningham of North Carolina was announced as the AWS Take the Torch campaign winner. He won a custom AWS welding helmet.

Find out how using CAD models can help you create and verify modular fixturing designs for increased efficiency in the workshop.

Most components produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 manufacturers are welded using robots, but the majority of the welds are still manually visually inspected.

Recently released products designed to increase quality and productivity for a variety of automotive applications.

Like many industries, the shipbuilding trade is navigating rough waters. An increasingly difficult business environment from consolidation, slowing growth rates, and uncertain political waters, combined with a critical shortage of workers as well as the global COVID-19 pandemic, has left many shipbuilders struggling to survive.

Join brazing and soldering professionals at the 2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC).

Professional and amateur welders alike demand high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and gloves — and for good reason.

After almost two years of missed connections and collaborations, FABTECH 2021 convenes in Chicago, IL., on September 13-16, 2021. And the American Welding Society is pleased to announce its plans for the four-day event.

Here’s a range of recent news from Toyota Motor Corp., Toyota City, Japan; Ford Motor Co., Detroit, Mich.; Alcoa Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa.; BMW Mfg., Spartanburg, S.C.; and General Motors (GM), Detroit, Mich.

Life is full of unexpected turns. For Sarah Stork, moving to a farm in Georgetown, Tex., proved to be the catalyst that launched her career as a metal artist.

John Deere, Moline, Ill., is utilizing Intel’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, piloting a solution that uses computer vision to automatically spot common defects in the automated welding process in its manufacturing facilities.

Nondestructive examination plays an important role in equipment diagnosis during the maintenance of welded structures. However, inspection using ultrasonic flaw detection can be difficult or even impossible if the weld is inaccessible. The good news is that new remote visual inspection (RVI) technologies have been developed that enable highly efficient and accurate weld inspection. Testing methods are also diversifying.

On March 25, in honor of Women’s History Month, more than 200 professionals gathered around their computers to attend the first-ever Women in Welding Conference.

More than 70 years after first entering service, hundreds of vintage Chipmunk airplanes remain airworthy around the world, mainly as trainer aircraft. Repair and maintenance of many of their components remain a challenge due to lack of components as well as process temperature sensitivity. Fortunately, there is cold spray, a solid-state metal consolidation process that can be used to dimensionally restore components made of materials that are highly sensitive to elevated process temperatures.

Copper, the first metal manipulated by humans to make everything from tools to jewelry, is now making headlines for another reason — its antimicrobial properties.

Meet Kayla Johnson — a 26-year-old journeywoman welder who is not only respected for her quality work but is also a woman who wants to inspire other females to join the trade.

Welding is among the most crucial and essential skilled trades that impact everyday life, yet the number of skilled welding technicians and professionals continues to decrease. It is anticipated that by 2024, over 300,000 welders will be necessary to satisfy our nation’s workforce demands (Emsi, 2021). To impact this decline, the American Welding Society has launched a new initiative targeting students and early career welders, titled "AWS Certified."

Hypertherm, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, announced recipients of its 2021 Spark Something Great educational grant.

Handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, more commonly called handheld XRF or HHXRF, are useful tools for installing new or replacement sections in a welding project. Here are three best practices to perform accurate weld analysis with HHXRF analyzers.

This article informs of products that are designed to increase productivity for a variety of applications involving pipe and tube, including transporting, heating, cutting, and welding.

Like their logo that reflects a welding helmet surrounded by bright yellow, orange, red, purple, and blue flowers, the Latinas Welding Guild Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., blossoms.

The American Welding Society (AWS) is pleased to introduce a new pathway for certain IIW diploma holders to achieve the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, through the “CWI by IIW Waiver” program.

Critical pipe welding applications often require preheating and possibly postweld heat treatment to reduce the chances of cracking. Learning different methods and proper application of welding preheat can help save time and money.

Millennials represent more than a quarter of the world’s population. To help foster the next generation of young professionals in the welding industry, the American Welding Society is proud to announce a new membership initiative — Take the Torch.

The American Welding Society (AWS), Miami, Fla., recently launched the AWS ARCademy video series.

Nondestructive examination (NDE) techniques range from simple manual and visual tests to sophisticated technologies that can detect surface and subsurface flaws, porosity, variations in metallurgical structure, and other discontinuities without having to destroy, damage, or waste assets. 

This year, IRONMAN competitors in St. George, Utah, will have more than cheering fans waiting for them at the finish line. An M-dot sculpture crafted by Rick Prazen and his son, Josh, will greet them in a roundabout near the end of the race.

April is National Welding Month. In its honor, AWS is offering several promotions and activities.

To conduct inspections, professionals rely on a variety of tools that allow them to assess the quality of a component and its suitability for an intended application.

Production technology company TRUMPF, Ditzingen, Germany, delivered a global experience with its virtual INTECH 2021 exhibition held on March 22 and 23. Approximately 3000 people from around the world registered for the in-house trade show, which highlighted the company’s newest sheet-metal fabrication and laser technologies.

Resistance welding is one of the most robust, proven and simple of the various welding processes, and is used primarily in the manufacture of automobiles, appliances, wire products, sheet metal products, and more.

Through April 30, the Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee (WEMCO), in partnership with the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation, is accepting nominations for the 2021 Excellence in Welding Awards.

ABB has launched a weekly podcast series featuring experts from industry and academia to explore the cutting edge of robotics and is also introducing two next generation collaborative robots (cobots).

Asnuntuck Community College has become an American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility (ATF) in Connecticut. Students enrolled in the college’s welding program will have an opportunity to earn certifications.

Iowa-based Gail Chavenelle is proof that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure. At the age of 50, the former school teacher became a full-time metal sculptor.

Richard Prazen, a blacksmith and metal sculptor in South Jordan, Utah, has honed this skill with more than 55 years in the welding and manufacturing industry. In his hands, pieces of metal come to life as soaring eagles and giant spiders.

Hypertherm, Hanover, N.H., a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, is accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program.

This ambitious, 27-year-old CWI has put his trade talents to good use. Do you have a cup of coffee to sip on while reading this profile? If not, go get one or fetch your favorite beverage to enjoy alongside learning about Cole Warner.  

The process of converting aluminum ore into the aluminum that we know and use every day was discovered relatively recently.

The benefits of incorporating portable laser vision inspection into a weld quality system are discussed.

To achieve long-lasting performance out of your gas metal arc gun, inspect its liners, tips and other essential components.

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is an arc welding process that uses an arc between a continuously fed consumable electrode and the weld pool. The process is used along with shielding from an externally supplied gas and without the application of pressure.

Explore the challenges encountered with small-diameter orbital weld inspection.

Ford Motor Co. is targeting production of 100 million medical-grade masks through 2021, General Motors has received N95 certification under NIOSH, and a partnership between Honda and GM is producing hand sanitizer.

Highlighting the strength of this market, and the high demand for arc welding products, 2020 and 2021 saw the release of many products designed to simplify arc welding.

The hazards of confined spaces and the processes necessary to work in them safely are outlined

The COVID-19 pandemic has differing impacts on businesses of all types across all industries.

Are you an author with materials joining technology and processes research to share with the world? Submit your abstract to be considered for presentation during the American Welding Society (AWS) Professional Program held virtually September 20–23, the week after FABTECH 2021.